New Year's Eve Bash - Explore Big Sky
explorebigsky.com Big Sky Weekly
Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper explorebigsky.com
Big Sky
December 16, 2011
Volume 2 // Issue #22
Happy
Holidays
state budget surplus
eStimated at $426.7 miLLion
Photo: Lucy Stratford talks to Santa at Big Sky's Christmas Stroll
pierre family
fundraiser:
december 26
big sky Hockey
media@theoutlawpartners.com
December 16, 2011
Volume 2, Issue 22
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd
COO & SENIOR EDITOR
Megan Paulson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mike Martins
MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Stifler
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kelsey Dzintars
EDITOR
Abbie Digel
PuBLiSher of the
Big Sky WeekLy
2011 Big Sky
ChamBer of CommerCe
business of tHe year
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Taylor Anderson
SALES DIRECTOR
Frank Jordan
DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR
Danielle Chamberlain
VIDEOGRAPHER
Brian Niles
VIDEOGRAPHER/DESIGNER
Chris Davis
ACCOUNT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Kacey Brown
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Katie Morrison
coNTrIbuTors
Josh Allen, Greg Allred, Erin Bills, Evelyn Boswell, Anne
Cantrell, Crystal Images, Jamie Daugaard, Brent Day,
William Farhat, Denver Fowler, Julia Gustafson, Allyson
Hagen, Marcie Hahn-Knoff, Brian Hurlbut, Jamie Kujawa,
Ellen-Therese Lamm, Joe Miller, William Mendoza, Brandon
Niles, Eric Ross, Greer Schott and Diane Tipton
eDITorIal PolIcy
Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky
Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted
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Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material
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leTTer To The eDITor ParameTers
This is a platform for readers to express views and share ways
they would like to effect change. The Weekly will run letters,
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aDVerTIsING DeaDlINe For
December 30 Issue:
December 23
correcTIoNs
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printed. Please report them to
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Unauthorized reproduction prohibited
2 december 16, 2011 explorebigsky.com
table of contents
Community...4
LoCaL neWS...6
regionaL...9
montana...12
CoLLage...17
heaLth...19
BuSineSS...21
CLaSSifiedS...24
arChiteCture...27
reaL eState...29
gaLLery...33
SPortS...37
SCienCe...41
gear revieW...44
outdoorS...46
BaCk 40...48
entertainment...49
Beer...51
Word from the reSortS...52
eventS...54
fun...56
ouTlaW ParTNers &
The bIG sKy WeeKly
P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716
explorebigsky.com
(406) 995-2055
media@theoutlawpartners.com
Johnny “rad” marshall shot this awesome
photo for the dec. 2 Weekly cover. We
forgot to credit him and wanted to give a
shout out. thanks, Johnny!
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly exclusive distribution
and placement
explorebigsky
explorebigsky
Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the entire Outlaw Partners team, I’d like to wish you a happy holiday season. Here at Outlaw we have
much to be thankful for and appreciate all of your support as we’ve grown. Each Outlaw employee has chosen a charity
to which we’ll donate money. In addition, we’ll market these worthy causes through our media. Below is a list of all the
organizations we’re supporting this year. Thank you, and let it snow! -Eric Ladd
Eric Ladd: Owner
Charity Water charitywater.org
Mike Martins: Creative Director
M.A.E.R.A. montanaawareness.com
Chris Davis: Videographer
Partners in Health pih.org
Emily Stifler: Managing Editor
HAVEN havenmt.org
Taylor Anderson: Assistant Editor
Cloudbase Foundation thecloudbasefoundation.org
Kacey Brown: Account Relations Coordinator
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
heartofthevalleyshelter.org
Danielle Chamberlin: Distribution Director
Big Sky Search and Rescue bssar.org
featured distribution point of the
week: kagy Corner
Don’t be afraid of the butler, he’s not real. But just like everyone else who works at
Kagy Korner convenience store, he’s friendly.
Located on the corner of Kagy and Tracy in southeast Bozeman, Kagy Korner has
long been a spot for morning coffee drinkers to sit and talk. The store serves the
growing needs of the southeast community, where recent development, including
the new Town and Country, are bringing more activity to this side of the town.
One of the coolest things about Kagy Korner is their milkshake machine, where
you can choose from flavors and mix your own shake. Check it out the next time
you pass by and don't forget to pick up the current edition of the Big Sky Weekly
newspaper. - Danielle Chamberlain
• 6,000 - 8,000 editions distributed across Montana
• Online at explorebigsky.com
• 3,000 + rental properties
• 2,500 + Big Sky taxi rides
• Hotels and resorts throughout Southwest Montana
• Subscriptions distributed to 32 states
Hi
Megan Paulson: COO
Love Inc. loveincgc.org
Daniel Bullock: Staff Photographer, Videographer
Sulfur Springs Animal Shelter
petfinder.com/shelters/oK330.html
Kelsey Dzintars: Senior Graphic Designer
Gallatin Valley Food Bank
gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org
Katie Morrison: Operations Director
Big Sky Community Corporation
bsccmt.org
Abbie Digel: Editor
Planned Parenthood of Montana
plannedparenthood.org/montana
Brian Niles: Director of Video Production
Ten Friends Project tenfriends.org
bc
ak
Anaconda
Hamilton
Bozeman Big Timber
Three Forks
Livingston
Wisdom
Dillon
Big Sky
Ennis
Virginia City Gardiner
West Yellowstone
Signature
the
Group
2 0 1 1
SIGNATURE
Alpine Meadows Chalet
#76, Seller a 17 Renegade
Rd at Cowboy Heaven, Buyer
a 17 Renegade Rd at Cowboy
Heaven, Seller a Westfork Lot 6,
Seller a 1792 Little Coyote, Buyer a
Yellowstone Club Andesite Ridge Lot 46,
Buyer a Saddle Ridge Townhome U-1, Seller a
Powder Ridge Cabin 131, Seller a 10 Hackamore
Diamond Hitch, Seller a Powder Ridge Cabin 130, Seller
a Cascade Home Site 126A, Buyer a 820 Elk Meadow Trail
at The Club at Spanish Peaks, Seller a 98 Limber Pine, Seller
a Yellowstone Club 160 Acre Compound, Seller a Diamond
Hitch Lot 20, Buyer a Pines Condominium F-2, Buyer a Moonlight
Mountain Home 47, Seller a Moonlight Mountain Home, 47 Buyer a
explorebigsky.com
Saddle Ridge Townhome C-2, Seller a Saddle Ridge Townhome C-2, Buyer a
Cascade Highlands Home Site 168A, Buyer a Beavercreek West Lot 22B, Buyer
a 500 Beaver Creek Road, Seller a Yellowstone Club Andesite Ridge 123, Buyer a
Cowboy Heaven Luxury Suite 2C, Buyer a Cowboy Heaven Luxury Suite 2C, Seller a
Saddle Ridge Townhome D-2, Seller a Moonlight Mountain Home 60, Buyer a Buck Ridge
Ranch Lot 12, Buyer a Buck Ridge Ranch Lot 12, Seller a Cowboy Heaven Cabin 11, Seller a
170 Gray Owl, Buyer a 126 Diamond Hitch, Moonlight Basin, Buyer a 126 Diamond Hitch, Moonlight
Big Sky’s Top Producing Real Estate Team
Basin, Seller a 6A
Firelight Condominium,
Seller a 49
Candlelight, Buyer a
Saddle Ridge B-2, Buyer
happy holidays and thank you to clients past and present
Branif Scott
Broker
406.579.9599
branif@purewestproperties.com
Ania Bulis
Broker
406.580.6852
aniabulis@hotmail.com
GROUP SALES
Jason Parks
Broker
406.580.4758
jason@purewestproperties.com
To become a part of our 2012 Tree,
Call or visit us at www.realestateofbigsky.com
Bring family & friends and join
us on December 29th at the
Moonlight Lodge Bar from
6-8 p.m for some holiday cheer!
Community
Beehive Basin in Big Sky is one of
Southwest Montana’s finest trailheads,
both winter and summer.
Starting at 7,800 feet, it allows access
to terrain spanning the spectrum
from mellow hiking to serious ski
mountaineering.
But as the private land surrounding
the trailhead has been developed
in the last decade, there have been
increasing user conflicts in the area.
This is private land, and backcountry
users have been given tickets for
trespassing here.
The first half-mile of the trail (F.S.
trail #40) crosses through private land
on its way to National Forest and wil-
4 december 16, 2011
derness land. Wooden posts with trail
blazes mark the 20-foot wide public
easement through the meadows, and
a trail corridor is cut through the
trees.
The various other trails that leave
from the trailhead are all on private
land. This includes a popular skin
track that winds up a wooded ridge
on the north side of the basin, as well
as the jumps that are often built in
this area.
“We want [people] to follow the
trails(s) to the public land and then
have a ‘ball’,” said Corey Bronstein, a
Beehive Basin Homeowners Association
board member. He also wants
to remind backcountry users about
avalanche danger in the basin: “It is
real and quite dangerous.”
explorebigsky.com
Although the BBHOA doesn’t own
the road, it plows a mile prior to
its private gates. The cost to plow
from October to June is about
$25,000-$30,000, Bronstein said.
The association covers all of it, and
since the Big Sky Owners Association
doesn’t participate, there is no
financial burden for the local community,
he said.
The trailhead this year has reduced
parking capacity due to a culvert
replacement project paid for by
homeowners and the Forest Service.
The project wasn’t finished due
to October snowfall, according to
Jonathan Kempff, the lead engineer
for the Gallatin National Forest.
Because there will only be room for
a few cars to park there this winter,
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
respect at beehive basin trailhead will allow continued access
Construction will limit parking this winter
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
b I G s K y a r e a
Christmas Services
Dec. 24 chrIsTmas eVe serVIces
5 p.m. Big Sky Christian Fellowship at the Big Sky Chapel
8 p.m. Candlelight Service of Carols and Lessons All Saints in Big Sky
(A shared ministry of the Episcopal and Lutheran (ELCA) Churches)
at the Big Sky Chapel
5 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Mass at the Big Sky Resort Yellowstone
Conference Center
5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service at Moonlight Lodge
Dec. 25 chrIsTmas Day serVIces
8 a.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Mass at the Big Sky Chapel
9:30 a.m. All Saints in Big Sky at the Big Sky Chapel
11 a.m. Big Sky Christian Fellowship
bigskychapel.com (406) 995-3336
big sky community library news
Holiday Hours:
the library will be open during Christmas break. it will be closed
Sunday, dec. 25 and monday, dec. 26 and will resume regular
hours on tuesday, dec. 27 from 4 - 8 p.m..
library Holiday open House:
Join the friends of the Library on Sunday, dec. 18 at 2 p.m. for their
annual holiday open house. a special guest will be appearing! this
event is free and open to the public.
Kempff suggested backcountry
users ski from the lower trailhead
parking in the highway turnout,
which adds several miles for skiers
looking to tour out of the basin.
Road paving, rebuilding the parking
lot, seeding, signing and other
cleanup will likely resume in June,
Kempff said, and ultimately the lot
will be expanded and have room for
eight or nine vehicles.
Bronstein requested that users not
park on the steep hill just before
the lot, which makes it difficult for
emergency vehicles to pass through.
Other Beehive trailhead parking
ethics: don’t block others in, and
don’t park in front of the gate.
Make-a-Wish foundation
needs air miles
The Make-A-Wish Foundation needs busy travelers to donate air miles this
holiday season. Serving all 56 counties in Montana, the nonprofit grants wishes
to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Travel is the biggest expense for wishes granted by the foundation. Miles from
Delta, U.S. Airways, Continental and United are eligible; once donated, the
miles never expire. montana.wish.org or (877) 574-9474
northWestern energy looking for
2012 charitable partner
NorthWestern Energy’s Charitable
Giving Program is seeking proposals
from nonprofits to partner with the
utility company’s employee volunteer
effort for the upcoming year.
Partner organizations receive a
$25,000 donation; associated events
typically raise an additional $25-
30,000. Previous partners include the
March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies, the
corrections
American Cancer Society’s Relay for
Life, and Special Olympics.
Nonprofit organizations with affiliates
in Montana, South Dakota
and Nebraska can apply. Organizations
must provide opportunities
and support for employee volunteer
engagement. Proposals due Dec. 28.
northwesternenergy.com (keyword:
charitable giving program)
In the Nov. 18 Weekly, Sharlyn Izurieta wrote that the TTF hosted Chirgilchin,
a four-member group of throat singers from Mongolia in Bozeman. The concert
was actually hosted by the Bozeman Folklore Society and the Ellen Theater.
In the Dec. 2 Weekly special gift guide,
we reported that Brewies 100 percent
Organic Dog Treats, made in Bozeman,
are "made from left over beer hops." This is
untrue—hops are not in Brewies products
at any level, and are poisonous to dogs.
Brewies products are made from malted beer barley, and are available in Montana,
Vermont and Illinois. The homemade treats are made with care, and take
6-7 hours per batch, from crushing and mashing the malt barley, to pulling them
from the oven.
The best part about Brewies? What other treat allows you to share in the fun of
having a cold one with your best friend?
Community
letter: BSSef fundraiser a success
The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation’s fundraiser, "Raising Cash with Cold
Hard Cash," hosted by Buck's T-4 on Dec. 10 was a resounding success. The event
was successful in raising funds, and more importantly, it was a terrific way for the
team to connect with the Big Sky community and kick-off the ski season.
The success of this event required the hard work of numerous volunteers, plus
the generous contributions of auction items from many individuals and businesses
throughout the community. Please help me extend special thanks to all
those helped.
With this event being such a great success, the BSSEF has targeted Dec. 8, 2012,
for next year’s season kick off and hope that you will join us then.
See you on the slopes!
Kindly,
Peter Bedell, Event Director
BSSEF Board Member
don’t miss the gallatin Valley
coat and boot drive
The first annual Gallatin Valley coat and boot drive is accepting gently used
winter coats and boots through the end of the year. Drop off points are in
Bozeman at Bob Wards (N. 19th) and First Montana Bank (N. 19th Ave. and
Oak St.). Gallatin Laundry will clean the coats give them to HRDC/Head
Start for distribution to families in need. Mountain 107.7 FM helped organize
the effort.
big sky fire department
happenings
By WiLLiam farhat
big sky Fire ChieF
I’m new to Big Sky, and am enjoying getting to know my co-workers at the
Big Sky Fire Department and learning about the community. As part of this
process, I’d like the community to know more about the BSFD, and thought I
should share some of my own background.
I first started as a volunteer in southwestern Michigan in 1989, and continued
as a firefighter, captain and chief officer until 2008. I worked as
a paramedic for municipal ambulance services then spent 13 years in law
enforcement in the Vail, Colo. area, and then back in Michigan. These law
enforcement positions also included fire investigation and hazardous materials
team duties, which allowed me to blend my full time work and volunteer
responsibilities throughout my career.
In 2006, I joined the University of Notre Dame Fire Department and became
chief two years later. NDFD was an interesting mix of fire service and
emergency medical responsibilities, building inspection, and fire detection
and suppression needs, along with special event coverage for up to 110,000
people during home football games. While appreciating the challenges of
this position, I realized I wanted to return to a more rural setting and be more
involved with the operations of a department rather than be an administrator
within a large organization.
In Big Sky, I’m able to fulfill that desire and live in a great setting to raise a
family. My wife Beth and I have our four daughters enrolled in Ophir School.
I’m proud to be part of BSFD, a very professional organization with a history
of exemplary service.
In future articles, I hope to share who we are, what we do, and provide information
regarding fire safety, current events and related items. In the meantime,
additional information can be found on our website bigskyfire.org and
our Facebook page.
Chief Farhat became fire chief of Big Sky in September 2011. He can be
reached at 995-2100 or wfarhat@bigskyfire.org.
explorebigsky.com Big Sky Weekly
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Offering
Full Service Property Management &
Home Owners Association Management
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Let us take care of your home while you are
away so you can enjoy it when you are here!
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bigskyfuture.com is a unique opportunity to make Big Sky your own. It takes just 15
minutes to take our online survey, but the benefits could last for generations.
explorebigsky.com
december 16, 2011 5
LoCaL neWS
The Big Sky Community Corporation received a
little boost Tuesday toward creating the second
annual Big Sky PBR event.
To the tune of $12,201.35, the BSCC was
granted—among seven other recipients—was
granted money from the Montana Department
of Commerce Special Events Grant Program.
BSCC was the eighth and final group to receive
part or all of the requested money. 20 applicants
didn’t receive any grant funds.
Eric Ladd, who helped coordinate the event
last summer, said he was glad to see statewide
recognition after the first PBR.
“It’s a wonderful community event for Big
Sky,” he said. “It’s nice to see the state recognize
it and help make it a bigger event next
year.”
The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce,
two groups from Kalispell and Helena, and
groups from Great Falls and Hobson each received
grants to execute their tourism-boosting events.
The Office of Tourism website says the purpose
of the program “is to diversify and enrich Montana’s
tourism product by developing new and
enhancing existing community-based tourism
6 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
festivals and events. The goal of SEGP is to create
and sustain economic development through the
advertising and promotion of “hallmark events.”
In total, $100,000 was awarded to the eight
groups, up $20,000 from the previous year.
The commerce department received more than
$400,000 in requests.
explorebigsky.com
big sky pbr receives $12k for repeat event
By tayLor anderSon
big sky weekly assistant editor
More than $500k raised at
spanish peaks vehicle auction
trustee begins liquidation process
with 54-vehicle sale
By tayLor anderSon
big sky weekly assistant editor
More than 250 people filed into the lodge at the now-defunct Spanish
Peaks resort to bid on the remaining vehicles once used at the club.
The 54 vehicles included pickups, SUVs, ATVs, snowmobiles and trailers,
and drew crowds from as far as New York to bid on cars at discounted
prices.
In total, the vehicles, including a few that didn’t start, went for more than
$550,000 after a 15 percent buyer premium was added to purchases.
The sale represents more than cheap Chevys. The sale means those
representing the now closed resort have begun liquidating the estimated
$10-$50 million in assets to pay off a list of debtors valued as much as
10 times that much.
Several Spanish Peaks members bid on items during the sale. One was
quoted as saying, “It was sad to see them sold, but hopefully we can find
a new owner who can return the luster to what was once a great club.”
Also present in the audience Dec. 13 was the trustee, in from New York
City, to oversee the sale. He said the representatives are in the process of
finding a brokerage to market and hopefully sell the property.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether anything else would be sold to pay
creditors. The trustee was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying
Spanish Peaks Holdings, which owned the club, had just $27,000 in
cash, with as much as $500 million in debt (although some estimates are
as low as $50 million).
By aBBie digeL
big sky weekly editor
The Big Sky Chamber hosted its semiannual
Town Hall meeting on Dec. 7,
in the Big Sky Chapel. Started last year,
the Town Hall meetings allow local
organizations to present on a variety of
projects, including community marketing,
organizational improvements and
working initiatives.
About 50 people attended the Town
Hall meeting. “It was a good turnout,
but we always hope for more,” said
membership director Robin Brower-
McBride.
This was Marne Hayes’s last Town Hall
meeting as the chamber's executive
director. Her final day at the Big Sky
Chamber of Commerce is Dec. 20. The
top candidates for her position were
interviewed on Dec. 13 at the Board of
Directors’ meeting. There will be an
opportunity for full public interaction
with the top and final candidates during
their final interviews.
The board hopes to have a new director
by the end of this month and starting
within the first few weeks of January.
Big Sky Weekly
Money must be spent on media marketing at least 100
miles outside of the recipient's town. Last year, the Big
Sky PBR received $12,000 total in government funding
from the Big Sky Resort Tax Board.
Grant recipients were decided based on an 800-point
scale. The Big Sky PBR received 671 points, 27 more
than the next group—the cutoff for grant recipients.
billings marketing group to revamp
big sky's brand
Cowboy hall of fame and Biggest Skiing in america
campaign also discussed at Big Sky Chamber’s town
hall meeting
The chamber is looking for part time
help to assist Brower-McBride with
administrative responsibilities between
the few weeks after Hayes leaves and a
new director is hired.
The chamber recently chose the
Billings-based A.D. Creative Group to
assist in development and implementation
of a strategic planning, marketing
and branding initiative to identify and
promote Big Sky as a travel destination.
A.D. Creative Group has hosted two
private meetings in Big Sky, and plans
to conduct more through December and
early January that will be open to the
public. Contact the chamber of commerce
for more details at (406) 995-
3000
Hayes also discussed improvements to
the Biggest Skiing in America campaign.
Ryan Hamilton and Eric Ladd,
both of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and
Montana Western Heritage center committee,
spoke of the success of their
final round interview with the CHF
and MWHC board. The home of the
facility will be announced by the end of
January.
By Joe miLLer
big sky XC
Planning for the fourth Big Sky XC
motorcycle race is quietly building on
last year’s successes.
The off road motorcycle race hosted
by Big Sky Resort set its 2012 dates
for Aug. 25-26, and secured a new title
sponsor, Kenda Tires. This allows a
larger pro purse and
expanded regional
and national marketing
efforts.
The event has grown
since the first race in
2009. Last August
20 states and two
Canadian provinces
were represented at
the 2011 event, and
racers traveled from
Florida and New
Jersey.
Kenda’s involvement,
and $10,000 pro
purse, will help build
it into a major economic
impact during
summer in Big Sky.
The race weekend has
two major components.
The amateur
race classes represent
95 percent of the
participants, and Big
Sky XC is becoming a
marquee event for as-
LoCaL neWS
nominate an outstanding volunteer
By JuLia guStafSon
governor’s oFFiCe oF
Community serviCe
The Governor’s Office of Community
Service, in partnership with
First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and the
Montana Commission on Community
Service, is accepting nominations
for outstanding public volunteers.
Nominations are due Dec. 21.
Categories include:
servemontana awards are for
service and volunteer work in the
areas of education, healthy futures,
environmental stewardship, veterans
and military families and economic
opportunity.
new sponsor for big sky Xc in 2012
350 fans came to event last august
piring racers looking to build a resume
and attract sponsors.
The second part of the weekend is
the professional race class. The purse
increase (up from $5,000) will draw
a larger pool of top racers. In turn,
these high-level racers draw more
spectators.
bigskyxc.com.
Photo By CryStaL imageS
readymontana awards are for
service specifically related to disaster
services, emergency preparedness and
emergency response.
First lady's math and science
awards are for outstanding individuals,
organizations and businesses that
promote math and science education
in Montana.
All Montanans, including National
Service members, are eligible for
nomination. The Lt. Governor and
First Lady will present these awards
at the ServeMontana Symposium
luncheon. The 2012 ServeMontana
Symposium will be held Feb. 23 and
24 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel
in Helena. Registration will open in
January.
explorebigsky.com
Integrity.
Vision.
Craft.
406-995-2174
Big Sky Weekly
To view a video tour of this property visit:
continentalconstruction.com/montana
explorebigsky.com december 16, 2011 7
photo courtesy of travis andersen // travisandersenphotography.com
explorebigsky.com
J A M I E P I E R R E F A M I L Y
F U N D R A I S E R
DECEMBER
26
7:00 PM
Please contact Doug
Timm or Outlaw
Partners to donate
items for auction.
581-0142
OR
cash donations
can be made
at Wells Fargo:
Jamie Pierre
Memorial Fund
Big Sky Weekly
AT BUCK’S T-4 LODGE, BIG SKY, MONTANA
MIN. $10 DONATION
SILENT AUCTION
& FOOD
FROM
LOCAL
RESTAURANTS
100%
of the proceeds benefit
the PIERRE FAMILY
The food will include
a “DINE AROUND”
format with food from
numerous restaurants in
the Big Sky area
visit explorebigsky.com for more information
Jamie Pierre
1 973 - 2 0 1 1
egionaL
big sky makes 1,000 places to
see before you die
In her recent sequel to the first edition
of 1,000 Places to See Before You
Die, Patricia Schultz included Big
Sky, Mont.
The travel author praises what she
calls “mountain bliss without the
crowds,” stating that the resorts’ average
two skiers per acre is something
not to be missed.
“Much of the annual 400-plus inches
of snowfall is the bone-dry talc
reverently called ‘cold smoke,’” the
passage reads. (She may have mixed
up our rocks with the snow, but hey,
she went big.)
montana Fish, wildliFe and Parks
Five volunteer positions are open on
the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3
Citizens’ Advisory Committee. The
committee helps FWP achieve its goals
in Southwest Montana by sharing information,
ideas, emerging trends, and
initiatives from the public. Half-day
meetings are held quarterly in Bozeman.
FWP is interested in candidates representing
various interests, including
hunters, anglers, landowners, trappers,
outdoor recreationists, conservationists
and the general public. The functions
of the advisory committee are:
• Help promote Montana’s hunting,
fishing, trapping and outdoor
recreation traditions
• Give citizens direct input into
FWP decisions
Photo By eriC roSS
Schultz advises not missing Lone
Mountain Ranch from January-February
for cross-country skiing.
Her list also mentions staying at
the Big EZ Lodge and trying the
restaurant’s “Rocky Mountain-style
cuisine.”
The book has no shortage of Montana
throughout, including mentions of
Darby, Glacier National Park and Big
Hole Country. But the inclusion of
Big Sky could have readers flocking to
town and perhaps never leaving. T.a.
region 3 fWp seeks applicants
for citizens’ advisory committee
• Provide a forum for communication
with neighboring communities
• Help FWP maintain and improve
responsiveness to the
public
• Help identify emerging issues
• Provide advice and perspective
on resource and management
issues
• Assist with crafting local, sustainable
solutions on regional
and statewide issues
To obtain an application, visit the
FWP Region 3 office at 1400 S.
19th Ave. in Bozeman, call (406)
994-4042, or email anjones@mt.gov.
Applications due Jan. 13.
big sky weekly wire serviCes
The interim winter strategy in effect
for the Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn
Wilderness Study Area will remain in
effect following last week’s court ruling
by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Responding to the initial ruling by
Judge Molloy, snowmobiles within
the WSA are constricted to the Big
Sky Snowmobile Trail and an open
“play” area for cross-country travel near
Golden Trout Lakes and areas west of
Windy Pass.
The court said the volume of motorized
use depends on if a WSA provides
“outstanding opportunities for solitude”,
a factor found in the Wilderness
Act’s definition of wilderness.
The court endorsed Forest Service
arguments that the Travel Management
Plan doesn’t need to replicate the 1977
conditions precisely, as long as the
forest maintains the overall wilderness
character of the WSA.
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Wilderness study area remains in
effect following court ruling
much of the central gallatin range
off-limits to snowmobiles
The court concluded “an area’s ability
to provide solitude depends on a
current user’s perception of other users
around them—not just on the physical
characteristics of the land,” and that the
Forest Service’s analysis of the physical
factors failed to grapple with this important
aspect of wilderness character.
The Wilderness Study Area was
designated by the Montana Wilderness
Study Act of 1977 and is managed to allow
uses occurring in 1977 while maintaining
the area’s wilderness character.
The Forest Service will use the court’s
decision moving forward with management
of the WSA.
Mary Erickson, Custer and Gallatin
Forest Supervisor, acknowledged “the
frustration felt by most people involved
in this issue, including ourselves.” By
leaving the interim strategy in place,
the forest aims to give everyone time to
work through the court’s ruling.
The travel plan for national forest land
outside the WSA remains in place.
december 16, 2011 9
10 december 16, 2011
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Big Sky Weekly
egionaL
bozeman airport to open
direct flight from New York
Board votes to change name
from gallatin field airport
BOZEMAN, MT
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
A coalition including Gallatin Field
Airport, the ski resorts in Big Sky
and other regional businesses recently
received a bid from an airline
for the proposed non-stop flight
between New York and Bozeman.
They wouldn’t say which airline
submitted the bid.
With $1.6 million on hand to
fund the flight route for its first
two years, the group is optimistic,
says Scott Humphrey, the airport’s
deputy director.
Negotiations with the airline,
which start mid-December, should
take four to six weeks, Humphrey
said. Days of service and the
amount of revenue guaranteed to
the airline are yet to be determined.
The more flights per week, the
more revenue the service will bring
in.
“It’s going to come down to frequency,”
Humphrey said. “It’s balancing
[how much funding] the collation
can put forth to the airline,
versus the airline’s cost to operate
the service and the revenue they’re
going to require for each flight.”
“Here’s the goal: To sell the June
2012 seats, we want this flight for
sale, in the system, by February
2012,” said Meg O’Leary, Big Sky’s
Director of Sales and Marketing
and a member of the coalition.
If the coalition and the airline can
come to terms on that timeframe,
NEW YORK, NY
Humphrey says, they could have
the service by June 2012.
Funding has come from a Department
of Transportation grant and
private contributions. Gallatin
Field Airport already has flights to
Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles,
Salt Lake City and Seattle.
The Gallatin Airport Authority
board also voted in December to
change the facility name to Bozeman
Yellowstone International
Airport at Gallatin Field.
This tongue twister will help align
the airport with the constituent
that travels here, Humphrey said.
The new name will associate the
facility with Bozeman, its largest
population center, and with Yellowstone
Park, the largest draw for
travelers coming from out of state.
“It’s really to compete with Jackson
Hole, Cody, Billings and Salt Lake
City,” he said.
About 65 percent of travelers that
fly into Gallatin Field come from
out of state, and the airport is trying
to position itself as the premier
gateway to Yellowstone, Humphrey
added, pointing out it’s situated 90
minutes from two year-round park
entrances.
These changes follow on the heels
of a two-year $40 million airport
expansion completed this past July.
The new terminal added about
125,000 square feet to the existing
building, making the airport the
largest in Montana.
explorebigsky.com
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moonlightbasin.com
Big Sky Weekly
Come visit the new
Jack Creek Grille and Bar
L O C A T E D A T M O O N L I G H T L O D G E
D I N I N G R O O M
Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5-10pm
Dinner reservations recommended
(406) 995-7777
B A R
Open 11am-close
Beer, Wine, Specialty Drinks
Appetizer & Bar Menu
december 16, 2011 11
montana
The state of Montana has $343.8 million
in the bank.
By July 2013, its ending fund balance,
or surplus, should be $426.7 million,
if current estimates from the Legislative
Fiscal Committee are correct.
Republicans outnumbered Democrats
almost 2–1 in the 2011 state Legislature,
and budget arguments were
heated near the end of the session.
The governor’s budget office estimated
a surplus, while the Legislative
Fiscal Committee projected a
potential $400 million budget gap the
legislature would have to address.
Schweitzer and other Democrats
wanted to spend some of that money
on programs during the current biennium,
the 24-month budget period between
sessions.
When Schweitzer set forth a $3.7 billion general
fund budget, the legislature balked. Respond-
12 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
ing to the LFC’s fiscally conservative report,
the legislature cut spending by 6 percent more
than the previous biennium, as compared to
the governor’s proposed 5 percent. This ended a
plan to increase state employee pay, and one to
construct new state buildings.
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Montana general fund surplus for 2013
estimated at $426.7 million
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
O P E N F O R T H E W I N T E R
CASUAL FineDining IN A WARM MONTANA ATMOSPHERE
Superb Cuisine Using Local and Regional Ingredients
for a Unique Flair in Rocky Mountain Dining
Location:
Hand Cut Steaks, Wild Game, Trout, Seafood,
Hearty Skiier Lunches, Game Burgers, Chili, Soup
Big Sky’s Mountain Village ~ Arrowhead Chalet Mall ~ 3 rd Floor
Call 406-995-4244 for
Reservations & Information
w w w . c a b i n b a r a n d g r i l l . c o m
graPh CourteSy of the LegiSLative fiSCaL diviSion
the fy 2011 unaudited ending fund balance was $343.8 million (currently unaudited)
the current estimated ending fund balance for fy 2013 is $426.7 million.
Lunch 11:30-3:00
Apres Ski 3:00-5:00
Dinner 5:30-10:00
Seven Days A Week
These decisions were based on the climate of huge economic
uncertainty, said Sen. Joe Baleat, R-Bozeman.
“During my 12 year legislative tenure I've seen the LFD's
projections turn out to be too high on several occasions...
one time by more than $250 million,” Baleat wrote in a
comment on a Great Falls Tribune opinion piece.
montana
Where the money
came from
The general fund has over 30 sources
of revenue, but six big contributors
make up 80 percent of that: property
taxes, personal income, corporate
income, vehicle fees and taxes, insurance
premium taxes, and oil and gas
taxes. States with sales tax were more
affected by the consumer-driven
recession.
The surplus was caused by larger
than expected revenues, mostly
from unprecedented prices on commodities
and the resulting increase
in corporate and personal income
tax collections, as well as the higher
price of oil, said Sen. Larry Jent, D-
Bozeman.
Schweitzer said his administration
has saved the government more than
$100 million, without cutting programs.
He cited a variety of means:
more efficient governmental operations;
state employee pay freezes;
savings; cuts to human service spending,
corrections, universities and
public schools; and 5 percent spending
cuts across the board.
“When you have good years, you
keep a little grain in the bin, you don’t
know what’s going to happen next
year,” the governor said, using his
classic metaphor of running government
like a ranch, his previous job.
Other money came from strong
revenue growth in 2011, and from
sales of mineral rights on state lands,
according to a Dec. 7 article in the
Missoulian.
how the system works
Because the Montana Legislature
isn’t always in session, it functions
differently than the federal government.
Montana’s two-year budget period
runs from July 1 of odd-numbered
years to June 30 of odd-numbered
years. By law, the state budget must
be balanced by the end of the fiscal
year, and deficit cannot be carried
over.
In November of even-numbered
years, the governor submits a budget
to the legislature, based on proposals
from government departments. The
legislature then has the authority to
pass or alter it. In turn, the governor
has the power of line item veto on
the legislature’s budget—Schweitzer
exercised that authority in a show of
branding vetoes on the capitol steps
in 2011.
When the legislature goes into session
every two years, it has a balance
in the general fund to appropriate.
While this system works remarkably
well, Jent, now a gubernatorial
candidate, says a few of its parts are
clunky.
First, the citizen legislature only
meets for a 90-day session every
other year, but it has to budget for
two years, something Jent likens to
using a crystal ball:
“Some sources of revenue are relatively
certain, like property tax,” he
said. “Others depend on the economy,
such as personal income taxes
and corporate income taxes.”
Second, Jent said, The Legislative
Fiscal Committee and the governor’s
budget office don’t communicate
well enough, and even though they
use the same stats, they often have
“different worldviews of economic
forecasting.”
This causes chaos and turmoil at the
end of the session, Jent says, allowing
that some tension between economic
experts forecasting revenue is healthy.
“However, it would be nice if the
smart people in [the LFC] would talk
to the smart people in the governor’s
office.” He suggested a revenue estimate
adjusted with current economic
factors much earlier in the session
could create a more homogeneous
projection.
Leftover cash
Since 2005, Montana has had a series
of high ending fund balances like the
current one. That money has acted as a
rainy day fund for the state, which has
been helpful during the recession.
The LFC’s current 2013 projection of
a $426.7 million projected surplus is
based on several things: 2011 legislation
and gubernatorial vetoes; final
closing accounting the year; forecasted
revenues; and forecasted spending.
The $426.7 million is only an estimate,
and things can turn around in a
hurry, Baleat said.
An appropriate projected ending
fund balance is 5 percent of biennial
expenditures, according to a rule of
thumb set by the National Conference
of State Legislatures. That’s in the
range of about $175 million for 2013,
according to Terry Johnson, the LFC’s
principal fiscal analyst.
If the current LFC estimate holds true,
Montana will exceed that 5 percent
and have $275 million extra in the
general fund it can either sit on or
spend.
Johnson says the legislature usually
tries to use surplus money for onetime
initiatives like building projects.
“If they use it for something that
is going to continue to cost in the
future, then they create a problem for
future bienniums.”
explorebigsky.com
Price
Was
Big Sky Weekly
BIG SKY IS ON SALE!
25-50%OFF
Price
Now
1 Bdrm Condo $78,000 $36,000
1 Bdrm Condo $270,000 $199,900
2 Bdrm Condo $565,000 $435,000
3 Bdrm Condo $699,000 $449,500
4 Bdrm Condo $1,195,000 $695,000
3 Bdrm Home $1,185,000 $790,000
3 Bdrm Home $2,899,000 $1,695,000
3 Bdrm Home $2,699,000 $1,990,000
4 Bdrm Home $2,795,000 $1,725,000
4 Bdrm Home $4,395,000 $2,950,000
CALL FOR DETAILS OR MORE DEALS
KAREN DAVIDS
(406) 580-5700
karen@riverstopeaks.com
JOHN BAUCHMAN
(406) 570-1920
johnb01@aol.com
Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by
Rivers to Peaks. Prices subject to change without notice. Independent
investigation is recommended”.
explorebigsky.com december 16, 2011 13
montana
schweitzer launches Montana
winter tourism campaign
to include Warren miller, heather mcPhie and kevin Connolly
big sky weekly wire serviCes
Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the
Montana Office of Tourism have
launched a marketing campaign
to entice travelers to Montana.
The campaign features renowned
skier and cinematographer Warren
Miller, as well as other Montana
skiers.
“We are honored to have Warren
Miller choose to endorse and
promote Montana’s winter ski
experience,” Schweitzer said in a
statement. “It is also a powerful testament
to the incomparable quality
of skiing that Montana offers.”
The campaign includes stories from
of well-known Montanans who’ve
been inspired and shaped by their
experiences here. The goal is to
help potential visitors see the full
spectrum of experiences, and how
those can transform and influence a
person.
These personalities include Olympic
mogul skier Heather McPhie
and X-Games medalist, author and
photographer Kevin Connolly, as
14 december 16, 2011
well as other photographers, naturalists
and historians.
Skiing and wildlife watching are the
leading motivators for Montana’s
winter travelers. The campaign
will target audiences by working
to build awareness of and intent
to travel to Montana in its ‘secret
season’.
Most of Montana’s 10.5 million
annual visitors travel during the
summer. Visitors spend $2.5 billion
here annually, contribute $180
million in tax revenue and support
more than 28,000 jobs. Visitor
expenditures provide more than
$785 million for Montana workers,
with 30 cents of every visitor dollar
paying wage and salary income for
Montana residents.
The office estimates each Montana
household saves $480 in taxes annually
due to tax revenue generated
through visitor spending.
Montana winter stories: visitmt.
com/montana-stories
Warren Miller media: j.mp/rIIg4y
explorebigsky.com
The Montana Office of Public
Instruction has decided not to seek
a waiver from the Department of
Education from requirements of No
Child Left Behind.
Montana’s Superintendent of Public
Instruction Denise Juneau explained
the decision:
“After careful consideration of the
impacts on Montana schools and the
financial resources that would be
necessary to meet the 'all or nothing'
requirements of the waiver, it is
clear the strings attached to this option
do not make sense for our state."
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Montana won't seek waiver from department of education
By aLLySon hagen
oFFiCe oF PubliC instruCtion
Juneau spent the past several months
seeking input from Montanans regarding
the waiver option, including
representatives of several statewide
education groups.
Education leaders expressed concern
that the waiver plan is a replacement
program for current NCLB requirements,
and would cost the state
millions. Implementing the waiver requirements,
which could be overruled
by Congress, would be shortsighted,
Juneau said.
Juneau, an advocate for rural states,
said Montana will move forward with
its current reform efforts to improve
graduation rates, adopt higher standards
in English and Math, and helping
the lower performing Montana schools.
$50,000 available for community-based history projects
Montana History Foundation announces first ever Preserve Montana Grants
The nonprofit Montana History Foundation is offering $50,000 in grants this
year to organizations and individuals who want to preserve historical assets of
importance to Montana’s history. The Preserve Montana Fund aims to protect the
historic legacy of communities across the state.
Grants will be awarded for projects ranging from $500 – $5,000, and the money
will go toward preserving historic buildings, oral histories and collection/archival
preservation. Deadline is Jan. 11, 2012. Criteria and guidelines available at
mthistory.org, or by contacting (406) 449-3770 or gena@mthistory.org.
montana
report: Montana rural areas “exporting” workers
By deB CourSon Smith
big sky ConneCtion
Rural Montana is missing something in
the middle, according to a new analysis
of U.S. Census numbers. The Center
For Rural Affairs report finds a downward
trend of residents in their 20s, 30s
and 40s, while the numbers of young
people and seniors are holding steady.
Report author Jon Bailey, the center's
research director, explains that working-age
Montanans leave because they
need good-paying jobs that tend to be
scarce outside of cities and towns.
"So, you're left with these 'bookend
generations' that require, generally,
a lot more human services than the
middle, working-age population."
The research demonstrates the need to
focus on new and innovative ways to
new Montana state librarian named
Jennie Stapp, the current digital
library director and chief information
officer at the Montana State
Library, was named the new montana
state librarian after an extensive national
search. Stapp replaces Darlene
Staffeldt.
Stapp has held various positions at
the state library, worked in other
libraries, and served in the Peace
Corps. She holds a Master's of Library
Science from the University of Arizona.
With a budget of $9.7 million and
46 employees, the Montana State
FwP wire serviCes
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is
requesting comments on two proposed
rule changes, one that would
allow nonresident falconers to capture
raptors in Montana, and another
to align regulation of raptor propagation
with new federal rules.
Montana was one of only a few states
that forbid nonresident falconers
from capturing birds until the
Montana Legislature eliminated the
restriction in 2011. FWP has proposed
a quota of three raptors and a
$200 capture fee.
Library meets information needs
of Montana government agency
management and staff and ensures
citizens have access to government
information.
The Montana Library Association, a
private nonprofit membership organization
that lobbies on behalf of all
Montana libraries and library patrons,
will hold its 2012 annual conference
in Big Sky, April 11-14. The Big Sky
Community Library is assisting in
planning efforts for the event. Hundreds
of people from around the state
attend, including Stapp.
new raptor regulations proposed
Nearly 97,000 businesses filed
their annual reports online in 2011,
a record number, according to the
Secretary of State’s office.
Improvements in that office’s online
services have significantly reduced
In revising regulations to comply
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, FWP would increase the
licensing period for raptor propagators.
Having captive bred birds
available for falconry reduces the take
of wild raptors for the sport. Today,
15 people have the state and federal
licenses necessary to breed and raise
raptors in Montana.
Comments due by Dec. 30. Email to:
bmoe@mt.gov or by mail to: Falconry,
P.O. Box 200701, Helena, M.T,
59620-0701.
Record online filings for 2011 annual reports
oFFiCe oF the seCretary oF state
create rural economic opportunities,
Bailey says. Renewable energy, broadband
expansion and ecotourism are recommended
in the report as investments
that could help grow working-age
populations, and in turn, better support
the younger and older generations.
"This affects what we do policy-wise
and what type of services have to be
provided in rural places, and how that
gets funded."
Rural areas depend on the taxes paid
by working-age folks to fund education
and health care, Bailey says, so
it hurts the whole community when
they leave. The trend isn't unique
to Montana; the report shows the
same story throughout the Great
Plains. The report, "Age Distribution
on the Great Plains," is online at files.
cfra.org.
office spending by $1.3 million in
the first year, and made doing business
with the state more convenient.
Montana law requires foreign and
domestic corporations and limited
liability companies to file annual
financial reports. Businesses that
don’t file the report can’t legally
operate in Montana.
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
THE WEST MAY BE WILD,
but it’s not uncivilized
The restaurant at Rainbow Ranch is now open
for the season and featuring a delicious new winter
menu with -RR specialties and culinary delights.
Open Daily:
Happy Hour 4:30pm - 6pm • Dinner 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Call 1.800.937.4132 for reservations
A Sparkling Celebration
Ring in the new year in signature -RR style!
Enjoy a four-course dinner for two and a midnight
toast and sparkler party on the deck. Start 2012 by
waking up in our luxurious Anichini Italian Linens.
Visit EscapeToRainbowRanch.com
to see all our packages and specials!
escapetorainbowranch.com • 1.800.937.4132
Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191
december 16, 2011 15
16 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
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Big Sky Weekly
seCtion 2:
heaLth // BuSineSS // reaL eState
annual
Madrigal dinner
at buck's t-4
dec. 5, 2011
PhotoS By aBBie digeL
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
December 16, 2011
Volume 2 // Issue #22
december 16, 2011 17
Open 7 days a week 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
18 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
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Big Sky Weekly
B I G S K Y ’ S F U L L S E R V I C E G R O C E R Y S T O R E
H a n d - c u t m e a t s • Fr e s h b a ke d g o o d s • G o u r m e t i t e m s • B e e r & w i n e
LOCAL
Delivery available - have your home
stocked upon your arrival! 406-995-4636
FRESH
Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery
New Year’s Eve
BASH
AT AT CHOPPERS
CHOPPERS
Tom Cook Band & The Boozehounds
9pm | $10 cover
Patron/Sims Snowboard Giveaway at Midnight!
Signup at Choppers, must be present to win
Dine with us on New Year’s Eve!
PLUS
Regular menu available for everyone in the bar
Join us for a special NYE dining experience - Surf & Turf
Three-course Surf and Turf dinner with
complementary glass of Champage
with dinner
Two seatings - 6:00pm and 8:30pm
Limited seating, Reservations required
for surf & turf dinner - 995-3830
heaLth & WeLLneSS
Holiday-related injuries
By erin BiLLS, mPh
big sky weekly Contributor
Not only does December bring Santa
and his eight reindeer, it also brings the
potential for holiday-related injuries.
Whether you’re stringing lights in the
tradition of Clark W. Griswold, rolling
the dice at buffet tables, or baking
Christmas cookies, you may be popping
the cork on a bottle of holiday health
hazards.
Every year, the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention reports more than
17,000 emergency visits for holidayrelated
injuries.
A significant
percentage of
these result
from decorating.
At your next
holiday gathering,
consider
these simple
tips to keep from fa-la-la-ing apart. It’s
all fun and reindeer games until someone
gets hurt.
If you’re not santa claus, leave the
rooftop work to the elves or professional
home decorators in your area.
Christmas lights are to blame for many
slips, sprains, strains and shocks. Teetering
on a ladder haphazardly perched
atop a snowy, slippery surface has the
obvious risk of falling.
opt for leD lights and appropriately
utilize electrical outlets by
using a power strip and limiting the
number of strings used per outlet.
If overstuffing electrical outlets with
old strings of lights is more your style,
you may find yourself in a hair raising
situation. The risk of electrical shock
and fires caused by holiday lights
drastically increases during the holiday
season.
Trees, real or artificial, should be
placed away from heat sources, watered
daily (if real), and kept away
from small children and pets. O
Tannenbaum, that seasonal symbol of
joy and happiness, comes with its own
unique health risk factors. If ingested,
artificial tree parts may present a choking
hazard, while real pine needles may
trigger allergic reactions.
Poinsettias and mistletoe: traditional
and toxic. These holiday plants
are naturally poisonous if ingested.
Another bonus? Mistletoe, that opportunistic
plant, gives many the courage
to pucker up and spread communicable
diseases this time of year. Spare your
Christmas crush the seasonal sniffles
and offer a cookie from the holiday buffet
table instead.
holiday baking, cooking, and feasting
might be one of the biggest
holiday health risks of all. Not so
fast! Food borne illness is not the way
to spread holiday cheer. Ensure that
food is cooked thoroughly and kept
at the proper temperature to decrease
the risk of making others sick. Cuts
and burns during the food preparation
process could place you on a fast track
in the front wheel drive sleigh to the
emergency department.
You may be starting to think ‘oh, what
fun the holidays are not.’ Or perhaps
this holiday health Grinch is a fun
hater. Maybe it’s time we take a look at
some reindeer games.
When taking the family out for
some holiday
every year, the Center for
disease Control and Prevention
reports more than 17,000
emergency visits for holidayrelated
injuries.
sledding its
important to
remember
that sledding
hills are
named just
like ski runs.
Remember
your favorite childhood sledding hill?
Was it Devil's Drop, Suicide Slide, Back
Breaker, or something similar? Unless
you’re an experienced sledder on familiar
terrain, think before you drop in to
an appropriately named black diamond
sledding run. Remember, adults don't
bounce up off of the ground as well as
10-year-olds. Your tailbone and shoulders
may thank you.
Football and skiing are responsible
for many sports-related injuries
during the holiday season. There is
high risk for football injury when not
playing with appropriate equipment,
such as when tackling your friend in
the living room to celebrate your college
team’s bowl win, or when "touch"
football degenerates into "tackle"
football.
If you’re on vacation or on the ski
hill for the first time this year,
start slow. Make a few runs on some
easier runs before riding the tram
and dropping in to the Big Couloir in
early season conditions. Take a lesson
if you need one, and make sure your
equipment is in reasonable condition.
Depending on your ability, it might be
better to start out on Southern Comfort
before skiing the Dictators with your
mom who is on vacation.
After reading this, you might think the
holiday season is the riskiest time of
year. One reason is the fact that people
are getting out and doing things with
their friends and families. After all, it
wouldn’t be the holidays if someone
didn’t say, “hold my beer and watch
this.”
Erin A. Bills, MPH lives in Big Sky and
is dedicated to improving the health of
Montana’s rural populations. Follow her
blog at projectbagbalm.wordpress.
com.
Sometimes life doesn’t go as
planned—even on vacation.
That’s why Bozeman Deaconess
Pharmacy at Big Sky is here for
you.
We offer a full range of pharmaceutical
items including
bandages and OTC
medicines and
creams for
aches and
pains. And,
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
When the ride down isn’t as smooth as the ride up
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
should you have
forgotten your
medications, we’re
happy to assist you in getting
what you need to fully enjoy life
under the Big Sky.
Whether you’re here for
the week or a lifetime, we
want to help you enjoy a
smooth ride—
on and off the
mountain.
• Pediatrics • Chronic C onditions
• Women’s Health • Prenatal Care
• Osteopathic Manipulation
Maren Dunn D.O.
Board Certified in Family Medicine
18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT
(across from the post offi ce) Phone: 406-995-3111
explorebigsky.com december 16, 2011 19
20 december 16, 2011
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Big Sky Weekly
BuSineSS
open a Montana Medical savings account
before dec. 31 for 2011 tax savings
msu news serviCe
Did you have medical expenses during
2011 that weren’t covered by
health insurance or a flexible spending
account? If so, you can open a
Montana Medical Care Savings Account
by Dec. 31 to cover them.
Up to $3,000 of these deposits are
deductible from 2011 Montana
adjusted gross income, thus reducing
state taxes. A Montanan with taxable
income over $16,000 could save
about $207 in state income taxes by
depositing the maximum $3,000 in a
Montana MSA, according to Marsha
Goetting, MSU Extension family
economics specialist.
internal revenue serviCe
The IRS is looking to return $153.3
million in undelivered tax refund
checks. This year, 99,123 refunds
averaging $1,547 were not delivered
because of mailing address errors.
The "Where's My Refund?" tool on
IRS.gov or at (800) 829-1954 provides
the status of refunds and, in
tax audit
*The tax board is required to perform
an audit each year and have the
findings available to publish.
An audit of the affairs of Big Sky
Resort Area District has been
conducted by Holmes and Turner (a
professional corporation). The audit
covered the fiscal year ending June
30, 2011.
Eligible expenses include medical
insurance premiums, long-term care
insurance, dental and orthodontic
care, eyeglasses or contacts, or prescription
drugs. Medical-related bills
already covered by a supplemental,
primary or self-insured plan are not
covered. Reimbursements for paid
eligible medical expenses are available
until Jan. 15.
An MSU Extension MontGuide can
help decipher if you’d benefit from an
MSA: msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialmanagement/mT199817hr.pdf
Where’s my refund?
irS has $153 million in undelivered checks;
recommends e-file, direct deposit
Fine Western Art & Bronzes
some cases, instructions on how to
resolve delivery problems.
By filing returns electronically and
receiving refunds through direct
deposit, taxpayers can reduce errors
on tax returns, speed up refunds and
eliminate lost paper returns. Nearly
eight out of 10 taxpayers e-filed last
year.
Section 2-7-521, MCA, requires the
publication concerning the audit
report include a statement that the
audit report is on file in its entirety
and open to the public inspection
at the tax board office, and that the
Big Sky Resort Area District will
send a copy of the audit report to
any interested person upon request.
Gift your home the spirit of the American West
this holiday season!
Join us for a glass of wine daily from 4-6 p.m. to view our
original artwork, bronzes, furniture, and jewelry.
We are located next to Grizzly Outfitters & Rivers To Peaks
Real Estate in the Big Sky Town Center
Open Daily (406) 580-5891
buy
explorebigsky.com
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Winter
&
Company
real estate
406.995.2093
Shawna Winter
Shawna Winter
broker | owner
SELL
View from 14 Swift Bear
Big Sky Ski-In/Out
Mountain Village Residence
Big Sky Weekly
www.MTwinter.com Shawna@MTwinter.com
Shawna Winter
Winter & Co. Welcomes
www.MTwinter.com Shawna@MTwinter.com
Shawna@MTwinter.com
Aimee Gerharter
406-599-4448 aimeegerharter@msn.com
Winter & Co. Welcomes
Aimee Gerharter
Aimee Gerharter
406-599-4448 Aimee@MTwinter.com
406-599-4448 aimeegerharter@msn.com
and more ‘COMPANY’ to come!
december 16, 2011 21
BuSineSS direCtory
PILATES
YOGA
MASSAGE
PERSONAL TRAINING
HEALTH COUNSELING
Now in Bozeman and Big Sky
Home Life Auto
The Agency Insurance Division
Protecting Your Assets
Call us today at 993 9242 or visit us on the web at www.ins-agency.com
Call us today at 993 9242 or visit us on the web at ins-agency.com
Is a New Computer
on Your List?
If you’re planning to buy a new computer this year, you may find that your old
dial-up connection just can’t deliver everything your new computer can. Want
to watch YouTube? Download music? Stream movies? If you want your new
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• Quick Reference Section
• Hard To Find Numbers Section
• Separate Government Section
• Complete A-Z White Pages
• Phone Number Reverse Index
• Community Maps
CORPORATE OFFICE
5009 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite H
Kennewick, WA 99336
support@statewideyp.com
Fax: (509) 734-5362
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
100’s of your
fellow business
owners have
either increased
or maintained
their advertising
program in the
upcoming
directory.
Where Quality
Speaks For Itself.
• Zip Codes
• Calendar of Events
• Community Information
• Full Color Yellow Pages
• Restaurant Menus
& Dining Guide
Call Today
To Place Your Ad
BuSineSS
Business Profile: dee-o-gee
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
Josh Allen always wanted to own his own business.
He didn’t think it would be dog store, but he’s
happy that’s how it turned out.
“Pet people, dog owners, generally are happy,” he
says. “I think pets enrich our lives.”
Allen and his wife Holly, both Montana natives and
Montana State alumni, started Dee-o-Gee in 2008.
It wasn’t the best time to start a new business, Allen
admits, but it’s grown anyway, and now has five
other employees.
The store, on Eighth and Main streets in Bozeman,
sells mostly eco-friendly products manufactured in
the U.S., and from “small mom and pop businesses,”
Allen says. They also offer dog grooming, healthy
dog food and homemade gourmet dog treats.
The grooming, which accounts for 25 – 30 percent
of business, draws customers from Bozeman, Big
Sky, Ennis, Livingston, Gardiner and Billings.
Allen credits community support—plus the number
of dog owners in Bozeman—for Dee-o-Gee’s
success.
“We learned firsthand the value of local small business
to a local or regional economy,” Allen says,
and “how important it is to support people who are
your neighbors, instead of spending dollars at a big
chain.”
The company’s new website has online shopping
for everything in the store, and a full line delivery
service that includes toys, treats and pet food.
While the delivery service is only in and around
Bozeman, regional one-day shipping is also available.
NOW IS THE THE TIME OF
YEAR TO BRING OUT YOUR
HOME’S INNER BEAUTY.
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
The Allens started Dee-o-Gee because “it was hard to find a good local place to get your dog
groomed, to get good dog food you can trust, and to get a fun toy.” PhotoS CourteSy of JoSh aLLen
• Painting, drywall, wood finishes applied on site or in our pre-finishing facility.
• Pick up the phone, email us or check out our websites for more info.
406-580-0331 | email: cboyd@montanapaintinc.com
montanapaintinc.com // montanaprefinish.com
Allen says having loyal customers has also enabled
Dee-o-Gee to give back. The owners donate
dog food to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
in Bozeman, sponsor events at the shelter and
the fairgrounds, and give a cut of their profits to
their church.
“I love that part of being a business owner,” he
says, “being in the fabric of a community.”
10+
YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERTISE
december 16, 2011 23
CLaSSifiedS
for rent
reNTals
snowmobiles,
side by side/Trax,
snowshoes, baby Gear
bigboystoysrentals.com
4065874747
-------------------------------------------------
Office Space - Executive Office
suites available in amazing building
in Meadow Village, Big Sky - $300
to $500/mth depending on terms
and office size. Each office has private
door, shared conference rooms,
shared kitchen space. Terms Negotiable.
Call Eric 570-0639
serVices
Victoria Bentley is the Owner
and Director of Bentley Bodies, a
premiere mind-body-wellness
boutique committed to healthy
lifestyle choices. Locations are in
Big Sky and Bozeman.
bentleybodies.net
24 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
Help Wanted
Excellent opportunity to join the
team at First Security Bank as a
F/T Teller at our Big Sky Location.
Must provide excellent service to
our customers! Requires cash
handling experience. Full benefit
package and competitive wages.
Contact for a complete hiring package.
ADA/EEO/
-------------------------------------------------
Office Manager needed, wage
DOE. Send resume to stan.feagler@
purewestproperties.com
$ 10
classifieds!
Email classifieds and/or
advertising requests to:
media@theoutlawpartners.com
406-995-2055
Complete Line
of Western &
English Tack
explorebigsky.com
One Stop Shop
For All Your
Horse & Rider
Gear
Located just south of Four Corners
on the way to Big Sky
Big Sky Weekly
Western &
English Boutique:
Fine Tack, Gifts,
Housewares &
Apparel
MENTION YOU SAW THE AD IN THE WEEKLY AND RECEIVE
$10 OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE
Join us!
Cowboy
Christmas
Saturday, December 17th
9am - 6pm
Holiday Sale Raffles Chili Feed
Four Corners Saddlery
81720 Gallatin Road • Bozeman
406-587-7503
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Big Sky Weekly
Explore Big Sky,
wherever you
may be.
We mail our publications around the world.
Subscribe today—$75 for 26 issues of the Big Sky Weekly and 2 issues of
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Daily news and all publications available online at explorebigsky.com
Credit Cards accepted for subscriptions
call or email us today 406-995-2055 | media@theoutlawpartners.com
some restaurants
do italian food.
some do chinese food.
WE DO
BIG SKY
FOOD
we deliver
4069952305
serving breakfast
lunch & dinner
view menu at:
explorebigsky.com/blue-moon-bakery
december 16, 2011 25
26 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
www.PruMT.com
406.995.4060 • 800.995.4060
Big Sky Town Center • 55 Lone Peak Drive • Suite 3
Prudential Montana Real Estate is your statewide real estate company with 12 offices to serve you in the communities of
Big Sky, Bozeman, Dillon, Ennis, Sheridan, Twin Bridges, Hamilton, Florence, Missoula, Seeley Lake & Polson.
beaVer creek weSt
$1,725,000 • #157935 • call don
• 4 bd, 6 ba, 4,001 +/- sf custom home
• furnished, deck on three sides
• 20 +/- acres, trout pond, stream
• tremendous views of the Spanish Peaks
PRice ReducTiON
PiNewood hiLLS eState
$1,075,000 • #175582 • call George
• 3 bd, 5 ba, 4,500 +/- sf home
• 8 +/- acres (2 contiguous lots), pond
• beautiful natural landscaping, mature trees
• guest home, Yellow Mountain views
LoSt traiLS Lot #6
$775,000 • #179325. • call Stacy
• 20 +/- acres, 8 lot subdivision
• Spanish Peaks views, sunny lot
• 3 miles to Big Sky Ski and Summer resort
• fabulous location with outstanding views
raiNbow trout ruN
$479,000 • #176526 • call Stacy
• 3 bd, 2.5 ba, 2365+/- sf, custom finishes
• bonus room above 2 car attached garage
• massive wood burning stone fireplace
• hot tub, flagstone patio with fire pit
aNtLer ridGe, Lot 149
$269,000 • #161824 • call don
• .35 +/- acre lot, Lone Mtn. views
• exceptional building site, southern exposure
• community water system
• between Mountain and Meadow Villages
Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155
Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553
Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553
Debbie Applebaum, Sales Associate, 406.570.7474
North fork rd, tract 2
$1,400,000• #180623 • call Stacy
• 20 acres Triple Triangle Ranch
• extraordinary views and nordic ski trail access
• desirable, private enclave
• contiguous to North Fork Tract 8
NeW LiSTiNg
craiL raNch towNhome
$990,000 • #180839 • call George
• 4 bd, 4 ba, 3,500 +/- sf
• furnished with over $124,000 furniture
• next to flowing creek with outstanding views
• heated 2 car attached garage
355 Low doG road
$759,000 • #180986 • call marc
• 4 bd, 3.5 ba, 3136 +/- sf, 1+ acre lot
• fresh paint, wood floor
• at the base of Wardance ski run
• nestled in the trees at Mountain Village
aLPeNGLow coNdo 18c
$396,000 • #174888 • call eric or Stacy
• 3 bd, 3 ba, 2,054 +/- sf
• gourmet kitchen, knotty alder cabinets
• gas rock fireplace, furnishings negotiable
• deck, 1 car attached garage
cedar creek #61
$173,000 • #179877 • call George
• 2 bd / 2 ba, 991 +/- sq feet
• beautifully furnished, gas fireplace
• clean, well appointed
• good rental income
Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195
Mark Dobrenski, Sales Associate, 406.599.2175
George Hagar, Sales Associate, 406.580.2248
North fork rd, tract 8
$1,100,000 • #180527 • call Stacy
• 20 acres Triple Triangle Ranch
• hiking and ski trails to lot
• desirable, private enclave
• contiguous to tract 2 to create 40 acres
Powder ridGe cabiN
$795,000 • #176798 • call Stacy
• 4 bd, 3 ba, 2,577 +/- sf, furnished
• ski-in/ski-out to White Otter lift
• numerous upgrades, river rock fireplace
• entertaining deck off of the kitchen, hot tub
beaVer creek w, Lot 13
$695,000 • #176399 • caLL don
• 20 +/- acres, spectacular views
• located on gentle slope, private driveway
• ideal for a new home, well is drilled
• convenient to all of Big Sky
caScade Lot 71a
$299,000 • #173281 • call Stacy or eric
• 1.3 +/- acre Knob lot, ski-in/ski-out
• adjacent to Thunderwolf lift
• breathtaking Lone Mountain views
• agent owned
aNtLer ridGe LotS
$105,000 • call George
• .46 +/- acres lots
• wonderful building sites, gorgeous views
• water & sewer (septic) metered
• purchase 1 lot or make an offer on both
Marc Lauermann, Sales Assoc., ABR, SFR, 406.581.8242
88 Gray owL LaNe
$1,100,000 • #179265 • call don
• 3 bd, 3 ba, 2402 +/- sf home
• custom home on 2+/- ac lot
• sited on 2 lots
• heated garage with storage
LoSt traiLS Lot #8
$780,000 • # 178440 • call don
• 20 +/- acres sunny, south-facing building sites
• between Mountain and Meadow Villages
• views of Yellowstone Mtn and Spanish Peaks
• community water system with fire flow
NeW LiSTiNg
GaLLatiN hiGhLaNdS
$575,000 • #180951 • call Stacy
• 20 acre tract w/gorgeous mtn views
• price includes Locati Home plans
• south facing, old growth fir trees
• compelling price and offering
caScade Lot 69b
$299,000 • #174621 • call Stacy
• premier mountin enclave
• Spanish Peak views
• close to Thunder Wolf lift
• Big Sky sewer and water
PRice ReducTiON
1350 hiLL coNdo
$36,000 • #179795 • call eric
• 1 bd, 1 ba, 440 +/- sf
• top floor unit overlooks lake
• great condition
• very nice upgrades, short sale
Anne MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1095
Peter MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1195
arChiteCture
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
europe, part 2: koln, germany
By Jamie daugaard
Big Sky WeekLy ContriButor
On a recent trip to Europe, I visited
the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg
and Italy. Here, I’d like to
discuss the architecture of the Koln
Cathedral, which exemplifies the
Gothic Architecture during the medieval
time period, in Germany. My
next article will continue to be on
the Rheinland of Germany and in
particular the Roman city of Trier.
As I traveled from Amsterdam,
Netherlands to Koln (pronounced
Cologne), Germany by the Autobahn,
I noticed a change from the
urban density of the Netherlands to
smaller clusters of towns and rural
farms.
My first destination in Germany
was Koln, and with it, a visit to the
Koln Cathedral. I’ve studied architectural
history and taught as an
aide at Montana State University,
so experiencing this type of architecture
in person was stunning, awe
inspiring and humbling. In it, I saw
the culture’s importance of expressing
a higher belief and making
every effort to celebrate that.
Koln Cathedral is based on gothic
architecture. It was constructed
between 1248 and 1880. Yes, 632
years to construct, although the cathedral
started to be used in the 1330s.
At 515 feet, the spires once made Koln
Cathedral the tallest structure in the
world.
As gothic architecture evolved from
Romanesque architecture, construction
techniques and engineering
improved. The mass of the exterior
supporting walls became smaller,
and were replaced with larger
openings. This type of architectural
style was able to nurture and
celebrate vertical expression and
natural light in its spaces.
The Koln Cathedral is made completely
of stone and embodies
gothic ecclesiastical architecture,
with the exterior flying stone buttresses
built to support the outward
thrust caused by the weight of the
structure above. Much of its decoration
is pointed up, toward heaven.
Its stone windows and "plate and
bar tracery" are capped with rich
stone articulation at entries, roof
edges and spires.
Approaching Koln Cathedral I felt
the impressive scale in height and
width. As I got closer, the ornamentation
everywhere was evident.
Interesting is the patina of the
stone, where weathered older stone
turns a darker black color and more
prominent at the top of the Cathedral
and fades to a gray as you get to
lower elevations.
Inside the Cathedral, the immensity
of space and the verticality
is captivating. I noticed so many
details: faint sounds and tones;
colored light pouring in from the
stained glass; the stone rib for the
vaulting, soft colors; and the large
relieved stone furniture pieces.
Big Sky Weekly
The stone on the interior is less
worked and ornamented than the
exterior; I believe it was done this
way to direct focus on the bishop
at the end of the nave. The stone
tile flooring mosaics are articulated
throughout, and I’m certain with
religious and historical meaning:
Emblem seals compliment Latin
scriptures, and there are repeating
elements such as leaves, birds and
geometric shapes.
This site is a beautiful project on
a massive human scale, all built
before power equipment, lifts, steel
cranes or gasoline powered vehicles
existed.
Koln Cathedral is also listed on the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
CENTRE SKY
A R C H I T E C T U R E L T D
Jamie Daugaard, principal of
Centre Sky Architecture, received
his B-Arch and M-Arch from MSU.
Sustainability is deeply rooted in his
work, which is mostly in mountain
regions, with offices in Denver and
Big Sky. He will post more photos
from this trip at facebook.com/centresky.
If you would like to comment
on this article or would like to learn
more about another topic, you can
contact him at jamie@centresky.com
or (406) 995-7572. centresky.com
december 16, 2011 27
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big sky real estate update:
Reflections on 2011 and predictions for 2012
from the local experts at Sotheby’s international realty, Jeff helms, tallie Jamison and ryan kulesza
First and foremost, we want to welcome you back
to Big Sky, the best place to enjoy the holiday
season. Since your last visit, we’d like to bring
you up to speed on our local real estate market.
What follows is an overview of the last year’s
activity in our entire region including the Meadow,
Mountain, and Canyon areas, as well as the
four resorts. There is a lot of data and doing the
research on your own can be daunting, so we’ve
done the work for you. We invite you to review
the numbers in our data driven report on pages 30
and 31 or visit us next to the Hungry Moose for a
personal overview.
a year IN reVIeW
In 2011, we created a marketplace in which properties
actually traded. That may sound insignificant,
but in comparison to 2009 and 2010 where
we saw a relatively inactive marketplace, we
had difficulty determining values because there
were so few sales. Thankfully, now, we can look
at comparable data within distinct segments and
discern true market value. Just over two hundred
properties traded hands this year, for a total
of $106,000,000 (excluding Yellowstone Club
transactions).
We hit an important milestone late this year:
our inventory levels fell below 500, contracting
by 38% since the highs of 2008, when we had
over 750 listings in the entire Big Sky market.
This absorption shows both confidence in the
market and a correction in the balance of supply
and demand. 75% of the transactions were under
$500,000, leading buyers to seek value at price
points over $500,000. We were encouraged to see
many $1M+ sales in the fourth quarter.
buyers’ marKeT
The most important step a buyer can take towards
making a purchase is to get an education on the
finer points of their market segment. Well priced
properties, foreclosures in particular, have seen
multiple offers within 48 hours and even sold
over the listing price. Buyers need to know when
to strike so they don’t miss a great opportunity.
With the combination of decreased prices and
very low vacancy rates in the long- and shortterm
rental markets, investors have begun to allocate
money to acquire income-producing properties.
We expect 2012 to continue to be a buyer’s
market, with high-end properties in particular.
DIsTresseD ProPerTIes
Short sales, foreclosures and bank-owned properties
are still affecting our overall market. In
2011, 24% of solds were technically classified as
distressed, while only 10% of our active listings
are distressed. In other words, we have a high
demand for distressed properties, but the supply
has been diminished. Buyers continue to ask for a
list of foreclosures; that list is shrinking. The opportunity
to purchase top quality distressed real
estate is now.
PreDIcTIoNs
We remain cautiously optimistic about the overall
Big Sky market. Over the past year, we have
watched Yellowstone Club stabilize, Moonlight
Basin begin to emerge from bankruptcy, and
Spanish Peaks Holdings II, LLC file for Chapter
7 bankruptcy with all services coming to halt.
Through it all, Big Sky Resort seemed to make
wise and prudent decisions in all facets of their
operations. Resort areas rely heavily on real estate
sales in order to sustain their business models.
Thus, you can anticipate new product development
and releases in the later half of 2012 in
order to generate much needed revenue to sustain
operations in both Yellowstone Club and Moonlight
Basin. For example, we expect the release of
the final phase of the Powder Ridge Cabins (4B),
a ski-in ski-out condo development at Big Sky
Resort.
Big Sky Weekly
We anticipate vacant land sales to increase in
2012 due to such low prices throughout Big Sky.
Inventory levels in Moonlight Basin will continue
to diminish into the first quarter of 2012,
which will lead to an increase in value for many of
the ski-in ski-out properties there. Yellowstone
Club will continue to see absorption in their
secondary market, which will eventually lead to
new developer releases. They are launching built
product that the consumer can purchase ‘turnkey’.
Yellowstone Club will continue to be our
glimmer of hope in the high-end luxury segment.
As occurred in 1998 to 2001, when YC values
improve, the rest of the market follows.
We confidently predict that in 2012, absorption
rates in Moonlight Basin, YC and Big Sky Resort
will increase over 2011. We guarantee that
Big Sky remains an incredible destination with
quality of life unmatched by any other mountain
resort community. Our advice to you is to begin
tracking the data in order to stay in tune with
market dynamics.
Insider’s Edge
The Big Sky real estate market can be difficult to
navigate. It’s hard to predict true market values,
so we rose to that challenge by developing a solution
called the “Insider’s Edge.” On this portion
of our website, we will simplify local news and
real estate updates. Now more than ever, buyers
and sellers need a knowledge-based resource to
make informed real estate decisions.
Jeff, Tallie and Ryan are an integral component
of the leading real estate firm in Big Sky and are
proud to live, work, and play here. See our Year
End Review on pages 30 and 31 for an in-depth
analysis of the entire Big Sky real estate market.
december 16, 2011 29
Year in Review - 2011 Properties Sold (To Date)
Our mission is to give you the knowledge base to make informed decisions. We represent buyers and sellers.
PROPERTY LIST PRICE ORIGINAL
PRICE
Canyon Area
30 december 16, 2011 explorebigsky.com
$/SF
TBD Gallatin Road $79,000 $99,000 127.42
1000 Cascade Creek Road $92,000 $92,000 296.77
531 Cascade Creek $79,700 $79,700 120.76
TBD Storm Castle Road $130,000 $130,000 194.03
54320 Gallatin Road $184,900 $194,900 264.14
34 Primrose Lane $300,000 $309,000 121.21
43 Paintbrush Place $425,000 $425,000 130.65
65550 Gallatin Road $449,000 $495,000 249.44
1299 Dudley Creek Road $429,000 $623,000 268.13
312 Windy Pass Trail $599,000 $599,000 183.97
49825 Gallatin Road $699,000 $699,000 272.2
355 Beaver Mountain Trail $749,900 $824,900 314.42
84 Lazy T-4 Road $1,174,900 162.06
200 Towering Pines Road $1,595,000 299.59
54725 Gallatin Road $1,695,000 426.2
500 Beaver Creek Road $1,495,000 282.08
360 Rainbow Ranch Road $1,995,000 306.92
59400 Gallatin Road $97,500 $125,000 178.57
Beavercreek West Lot 22B $279,000 $399,000
Buck Ridge Ranch Lot 12 $299,000 $450,000
Porcupine Park Lot 13A $369,000 $369,000
Greathorn Ranch Tract 1 $3,200,000
Meadow Area
RJS Building Unit 204 $275,000 $275,000
659 Spruce Cone Drive $295,000 $350,000 98.33
Gallatin Building Unit 13 $34,900 $39,900 95.36
Spruce Condo 6 $63,750 $75,000 101.19
Gallatin Building Unit 16 $48,000 $90,000 89.55
193 Spruce Cone Drive $65,900 $65,900 56.81
Firelight Condo 3C $85,000 $85,000 77.84
Firelight Condo 6A $75,000 $99,500 68.68
Silverbow 55 $75,000 $75,000 107.76
Firelight Condo B6 $79,900 $94,900 73.17
Firelight Condo C8 $84,900 $84,900 77.75
Firelight Condo B8 $77,250 $77,250 70.74
Firelight Condo 5C $85,000 $115,000 77.84
Yellowstone Condo 88 $83,500 $83,500 125.75
8 Firelight Drive $89,900 $89,900 82.33
Spruce Condo 51 $94,900 $99,900 110.09
Firelight Condo 19C $79,900 $79,900 64.75
Firelight Condo 16C $85,000 $85,000 77.84
Spruce Condo 11 $94,500 $94,500 132.17
Broadwater 185 $89,000 $89,000 134.85
Glacier Condo 160 $109,900 $137,500 149.73
Broadwater 187 $98,000 $136,000 104.7
Firelight Condo 10D $105,000 $159,000 96.15
Firelight Condo 20A $115,000 $115,000 93.19
Firelight Condo D6 $105,000 $105,000 96.15
Pine Ridge Condo #8 $96,000 $96,000 81.77
Firelight Condo 11A $128,250 $135,000 103.59
Broadwater 180 $149,500 $175,000 151.32
Firelight Condo 2D $115,000 $115,000 105.31
Aspen Court 1 $149,000 $189,000 128.89
Hidden Village 81 $179,900 $220,000 93.41
Glacier Condo 152 $145,000 $145,000 197.55
Glacier Condo 157 $159,900 $199,900 217.85
Madison Court 11 $144,900 $157,900 103.5
68 Rose Hip Circle $142,500 $142,500 73.15
109 Candlelight $143,900 $156,900 77.41
Gray Wolf Condo 2830 $150,000 $150,000 84.65
Madison Court 5 $179,000 $189,500 157.02
Call us directly for up-to-date market information - 406.995.2244
PROPERTY LIST PRICE ORIGINAL
PRICE
62 Candlelight Meadow
Drive
$/SF
$180,000 $180,000 96.83
75 Firelight Drive $174,900 $174,900 94.08
517 Firelight Drive $169,900 $180,700 79.43
397 Firelight Drive $179,900 $179,900 96.77
74 Candlelight Meadow
Drive
$184,900 $184,900 86.44
503 Firelight Drive $195,000 $195,000 91.29
49 Candlelight Meadow
Drive
$201,000 $201,000 93.97
381 Firelight Drive $206,000 $219,000 111.71
277 Candlelight Meadows
Dr
$199,900 $199,900 93.45
2575 Curly Bear Road $225,000 $279,000 173.08
Silverbow 48 $239,000 $375,000 170.71
Deer Run 4E $210,000 $224,900 110.06
677 Sunburst Drive $239,000 $279,000 115.46
2575 Curley Bear Road $239,000 $239,000 137.04
51 Rose Hip Circle $259,000 $259,000 135.32
647 Sunburst Drive $275,000 $275,000 125.46
41 Blue Flax Place $350,000 $350,000 179.49
21 Blue Flax Place $299,000 $315,000 107.25
Deer Run H2 $375,000 $395,000 176.3
C3 Blue Spruce Way $325,000 $375,000 161.21
3525 Ringneck Road $299,000 $299,000 163.93
Deer Run G1 $395,000 $489,900 185.71
Deer Run I2 $375,000 $375,000 176.3
Spanish Peaks Club Condo
16D
$329,000 $399,000 153.74
Deer Run I1 $375,000 $375,000 176.3
F2 Blue Spruce Way $345,000 $345,000 171.13
Spanish Peaks Club Condo
21D
$339,000 $472,500 158.41
Crail Creek Condo 615 $399,000 $495,000 159.6
Spanish Peaks Club Condo
27A
$424,900 $448,000 176.82
Elevation 6000 B1 $550,000 $550,000 203.18
Lone Peak Townhome 10 $499,000 $499,000 207.92
145A Pheasant Tail Rd $444,900 $509,000 173.92
133A Pheasant Tail Lane $497,500 $497,500 166.28
Spanish Peaks Club Condo
8E
$519,900 $549,000 204.04
2265 Little Coyote Road $299,000 $319,900 190.69
2455 Little Coyote $350,000 $350,000 194.44
98 Limber Pine $329,000 $389,000 219.33
2550 Curley Bear Road $426,900 $449,500 144.61
380 Spruce Cone Drive $399,000 $399,000 185.75
2165 Yellowtail Road $299,000 $299,000 91.27
2310 Yellowtail Road $399,900 $599,900 151.48
2695 Curley Bear Road $420,000 $565,000 180.41
50 Skywood Road $429,000 $490,000 336.21
125 Chief Joseph Trail $499,000 $799,000 210.37
1881 Little Coyote Road $437,000 $549,000 174.8
1792 Little Coyote Road $575,000 $675,000 186.45
2715 Little Coyote $599,000 $649,000 239.6
2605 Little Coyote $689,000 $689,000 217.08
466 Antler Ridge Road $633,600 $633,600 113.14
336 Autumn Trail $759,000 $949,000 210.83
121 Silverado Trail $795,000 $795,000 277.97
350 Misty Way $864,000 213.86
170 GRAY OWL LANE $999,000 293.82
1555 Silverado Trail $1,999,995 307.69
229 Amber Lilly Lane $2,695,000 374.31
West Fork Meadows Lot 6 $63,500 $63,500
Block 5 Lot 10 $79,900 $99,900 6.66
Helms, Jamison & Kulesza
JEFF
HELMS
Broker
TALLIE
JAMISON
Associate
RYAN
KULESZA
Broker
406.995.2244 • BIGSKYSIR .COM
PROPERTY LIST PRICE ORIGINAL
PRICE
Michener Meadows Lot 20 $225,000 $685,000
Grey Drake Lot 7 $299,000 $299,000
Moonlight Basin
All statistics included in summary derived from MLS. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we
cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions and changes including price or withdrawal
without notice. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Offi ce in Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate
broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.
$/SF
Saddle Ridge C2 $314,900 $329,900 178.82
Saddle Ridge F2 $359,000 $359,000 203.86
Saddle Ridge F4 $389,000 $399,000 220.9
Saddle Ridge B2 $410,000 $410,000 232.82
Saddle Ridge D2 $430,000 $430,000 244.18
Saddle Ridge L1 $499,000 $499,000 229.32
Saddle Ridge U1 $595,000 $649,000 276.1
Alpine Meadows Suite 6A $1,295,000 518
Alpine Duplex 1A $1,395,000 604.42
Alpine Meadows Suite 6C $1,595,000 531.67
Luxury Suite 2C $1,495,000 498.33
Cowboy Heaven Cabin 10 $450,000 $699,000 576.92
Cowboy Heaven Cabin 11 $542,000 $865,000 694.87
Mountain Home 60 $895,000 $895,000 349.61
Mountain Home 63 $899,000 $899,000 340.53
Mountain Home 47 $1,079,000 421.48
Alpine Meadows Chalet 76 $1,295,000 488.68
126 Diamond Hitch Road $2,495,000 629.57
10 Hackamore Rd $2,335,000 447.92
17 Renegade Road $3,995,000 574.99
105 Peaks View Drive $4,495,000 620.6
Lot 20 Diamond Hitch $499,000 $499,000
Mountain
The Lodge at Big Sky #320 $32,900 $39,000 71.21
The Lodge at Big Sky #214 $29,900 $29,900 64.72
Hill Condo 1192 $40,000 $40,000 90.91
Hill Condo 1243 $40,000 $48,900 90.91
Hill Condo 1203 $37,950 $54,950 86.25
Hill Condo 1264 $52,000 $52,000 118.18
Hill Condo 1260 $49,000 $49,000 108.89
Hill Condo 1277 $75,000 $99,000 112.28
Hill Condo 1229 $63,000 $65,000 143.18
Hill Condo 1352 $65,000 $125,000 147.73
Hill Condo 1334 $78,000 $78,000 177.27
Cedar Creek Condo 8 $82,000 $82,000 144.88
Cedar Creek Condo 15 $84,000 $84,000 107.28
Cedar Creek Condo 18 $69,000 $175,000 88.12
Cedar Creek Condo 10 $70,000 $70,000 89.4
Cedar Creek Condo 26 $76,500 $172,000 97.7
Cedar Creek Condo 16 $97,000 $97,000 123.88
Cedar Creek Condo 35 $94,900 $179,000 109.33
Stillwater Condo 1021 $129,500 $129,500 242.51
Stillwater Condo 1040 $259,000 $269,000 287.78
Shoshone 1953 $199,000 $199,000 227.17
Big Horn 11 $300,000 $325,000 172.71
Big Horn 37 $400,000 $635,000 234.6
Big Horn 69 $380,000 $495,000 238.24
Village Center Room 208 $449,000 $449,000 590.79
Alpenglow Condo 19A $369,000 $479,000 159.12
Elkhorn Condo 1302 $485,000 $515,000 149.97
Arrowhead 1672 $675,000 $775,000 346.15
Moosewood Condo Unit F $644,900 $644,900 231.15
Black Eagle Lodge 30 $698,000 252.9
Powder Ridge Cabin 130 $699,000 $825,000 341.48
Powder Ridge Cabin 131 $699,000 $699,000 340.98
Powder Ridge Cabin 135 $727,000 $865,000 316.09
Powder Ridge Cabin 127 $895,000 $895,000 292.77
Black Eagle Lodge 11 $995,000 $995,000 361.82
PROPERTY LIST PRICE ORIGINAL
PRICE
Visit page 29 for more
information about our team
$/SF
Powder Ridge Cabin 47 $1,195,000 358.43
Summit Hotel Room 1007 $1,600,000 513.31
5 BEEHIVE BASIN Road $849,000 287.8
44 Summit View $1,274,000 148.61
38 Middle Rider Road $1,695,000 339.88
928 Cascade Creek Rd $84,900 $95,900 141.5
Summit View Lot 5 $225,000 $699,000
Cascade Sub Lot 186A $199,000 $395,000
Lot #168A Cascade SD $180,000 $224,900
Cascade 126A $299,000 $299,000
Cascade Lot 340, Block 6 $280,000 $310,000
Cascade Lot 120A $299,000 $350,000
90 Summit View Drive $349,700 $349,700
Ridgeview Lot 3 $890,000 $890,000
Spanish Peaks
Cabin 23 $1,699,000 591.57
Cabin 22 $2,250,000 657.32
6519 Beaver Creek Rd $999,999 571.43
820 Elk Meadow Trail $3,250,000 449.7
658 Elk Meadow Trail $5,000,000 542.53
542.53
Ranch 121 $140,000 $140,000
Ranch 23 $139,900 $255,000
Ranch 122 $195,000 $195,000
Ranch 31 $197,000 $298,000
Big EZ Estate 20 $179,900 $229,900
Wildridge 37 $359,000 $359,000
Ski Tip Glade 12 $1,050,000
Yellowstone Club
Sunrise Ridge Condo 42A $2,850,000 740.26
Andesite Ridge Lot 123 $6,750,000 961.4
Andesite Ridge Lot 130 $1,500,000
Andesite Ridge Lot 46, YC
Phases I&II
$1,475,000 $1,475,000
Commercial
Condominium
Lot
Home
HELMS
JAMISON
KULESZA
Condos 121 59%
Homes 55 27%
Land 28 14%
Commercial 2 1%
Sold By Type
With Condo values generally down as
much as 60% from the highs of 2007
and long term vacancies staying below
3%, investor interest in this product
type rose in 2011. Interest in vacant land
continue to lag as replacement costs are
still significantly higher than the cost
of already built homes and condos. We
traded two commercial properties in all
of Big Sky and continue to see a high vacancy
rate in commercial leases.
$0-$100,000 46 22%
$100,001-$200,000 37 18%
$200,001-$300,000 26 13%
$300,001-$400,000 26 13%
$400,001-$500,000 15 7%
$500,001-$600,000 5 2%
$600,001-$1,000,000 26 13%
$1,000,001-$3,000,000 20 10%
$3,000,001-$5,000,000 4 2%
$5,000,000+ 1 0%
Price Ranges Sold
by Transaction Count
A wave of activity occurred in the lower
end market (under $500K) and we expect
it to flow into the higher end market
(over $500K) in 2012. Value opportunities
have been absorbed (read: sold)
in the low end market and buyers have
just started to participate in the higherend
market in an effort to find value in
well-priced inventory.
Profile & Status Updates for our Resorts
Moonlight Basin
Moonlight Basin is a 8,150 acre public business model situated between Lone
Mountain and the Spanish Peaks range in the Jack Creek drainage of Madison
County. There are 1651 residential units fully entitled for development of which
353 have been built and sold. Amenities include a spa, 8,000-yard Jack Nicklaus
golf course (the back 9 holes are completed) and 1,900 acres of pristine groomers,
tree glades, and challenging steep terrain (with more terrain to come). Vacant land
parcels vary in size from 1 acre to 160 acres. Residential options include private
ski-in ski-out homes, cabins, and condos. Much of their real estate can be accessed
on skis to both Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resort’s 5,512 skiable acres (with the
Lone Peak Pass). Moonlight Basin filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008 and has
worked to restructure their debt. A definitive settlement between Lehmann Commercial
and Moonlight Basin is tentatively scheduled for December 16th (as of
press time). The close of the sale of Moonlight’s assets to Lehmann and an issuance
of final decree will mark an official end to the bankruptcy.
# active listings: 39 $ active listings: $66,792,000
# sold in 2011: 15 $ sold in 2011: $27,711,000
Average sold / sf : $521.26
Big Sky Resort Area
Big Sky Resort is a public business model that is owned and operated by Boyne
Resorts and is capitalized by CNL based in Orlando, Florida. The iconic Mountain
Village operates as the ski area’s hub of activity and nightlife. Amenities
include 3,832 acres of worldclass skiing, including 150 named runs covering over
85 miles on three separate mountains and a tram-accessable 11,166 foot peak,
heated outdoor pools, two hotels, 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course located
in the Meadow. and a variety of on-mountain summer activities. Residential
developer options include ski-in ski-out cabins and slopeside condos, starting at
$149,000. There are no developer land options at this time.
Mountain Village
# active listings: 120 $ active listings: $61,842,650
# sold in 2011: 49 $ sold in 2011: $21,636,250
Average sold / sf : $189.88
Yellowstone Club
explorebigsky.com
$0-$100,000 $3,148,834 3%
$100,001-$200,000 $5,518,500 5%
$200,001-$300,000 $6,506,339 6%
$300,001-$400,000 $8,765,525 8%
$400,001-$500,000 $6,512,300 6%
$500,001-$600,000 $2,774,000 3%
$600,001-$1,000,000 $20,087,999 19%
$1,000,001-$3,000,000 $32,885,684 31%
$3,000,001-$5,000,000 $14,945,000 14%
$5,000,000+ $5,300,000 5%
Price Ranges Sold by
Dollar Volume
It is intersecting to see that while the
lower end market (below $500K) represents
75% of the transactions, it is only
31% of the total market volume. It is
many people’s perception that foreclosures
typically occur in the low end market,
but you can see in the list to the left
that there were 4 distressed sales over
$1M this year.
Yellowstone Club is a 13,600 acre private business model encompassing Pioneer
and Eglise Mountains in Madison County, adjacent to Lone Mountain. There
are 864 entitlements of which approximately 345 non-equity residential memberships
have sold since they opened in 2000. Amenities include 2,200 acres of
Private Powder, a Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course, first-class fitness center
and outdoor heated pool, 140,000 square foot Warren Miller Lodge housing a
spa, kids’ facilities, and a variety of entertainment and dining outlets. Residential
options include custom homes, 160-acre private ranches, slopeside chalets, and
base lodge Condos which range between $2M and $26M. In 2008, the Club filed
Chapter 11 bankruptcy but has since successfully emerged. They are now well
capitalized by a group comprised of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, LLC, Discovery
Land Company and about 60 members. They have seen strong sales in the
last year due to a re-setting of values in the resale market.
# active listings: Contact Us Directly $ active listings: Contact Us Directly
# sold in 2011: Contact Us Directly $ sold in 2011: Contact Us Directly
Spanish Peaks
The Club at Spanish Peaks is a 5,700 acre private business model situated between
Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone Club on Andesite and Flat Iron Mountains. They
have 850 entitlements of which approximately 318 non-equity Residential and Golf
Memberships have been sold since they opened in 2000. Approximately 40 homes
have been built with about 6 currently under construction. Vacant land parcels
vary in size from 1 acre to 25 acres. Their ski accessible real estate is also uniquely
adjacent to a Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course, and offers private access to Big
Sky Resort’s public skiing. A clubhouse acts as the center of activity for members
as well as a yurt near the base of the Southern Comfort lift. In October 2011, their
holding company, Spanish Peaks Holdings II, LLC filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in
a Delaware court. Things are changing daily with respect to their future so please
contact us directly for the must current information.
# active listings: 77 $ active listings: $89,093,688
# sold in 2011: 12 $ sold in 2011: $$13,683,999
Average sold / sf : $562.51
december 16, 2011 31
Two
2012
ways to DELVE into
New Year’s Eve at
Moonlight Lodge
For the adults...
Join us at Moonlight Lodge for a night of revelry.
Enjoy a special dinner at the new JACK CREEK
GRILLE, followed by music, dancing, party favors and a
champagne toast.
6pm till close
(Dinner seatings available from 6pm - 9pm)
$125 FOR THE ENTIRE EVENING
NOT DINING WITH US? Attend our music
celebration only - $25 AFTER 10PM
32 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
New Year’s Party
at Headwaters Grille
For the family...
Ring in 2012 with family fun for all ages at HEADWATERS
GRILLE at the Madison Village Base Area!
Celebrate the new year with karaoke, party favor crafts, a
balloon drop, and s’mores around the outdoor fi re pit.
6pm - 9pm
$15 PER PERSON
moonlightbasin.com
Big Sky Weekly
For more
information or
reservations for
either event, please
contact Guest
Services at
(406) 995-7600
my mountain is
MOONLIGHT
seCtion 3:
Life // Land //CuLture
gaLLery
In 2009, Rebecca Soulé sent a text
message to her sister-in-law Erin with a
photo of an extraordinary sunset, and a
note saying she loved her. Erin was sick
with leukemia, and Soulé hoped the
photo showing beams of light coming
from the clouds would comfort her.
Erin died two days later.
Several years later, Soulé received a call
from a woman who’d seen that same
image on a business card Soulé had
posted in the Cateye Café in Bozeman.
The woman had lost both of her
parents that year. Seeing that image,
she told Soulé, was the closest to god
she’d ever felt.
“Knowing I could make someone feel
like that was a pivotal point for me,”
Soulé says. “It was the biggest compliment
I’ve ever received.”
That phone call eventually led Soulé
to her next project—a show depicting a
year of sadness and healing in her own
life, told through self-portraits and images
of others.
Soulé, 35, lives in Bozeman with her
3-year-old daughter Olivia. A self-
taught photographer,
she has an intuitive and
emotional connection to
people.
Photography has been a
tool for healing, and something
Soulé never planned
to share with anyone. But
when Erin was diagnosed
with leukemia, it put life
in perspective.
“It made me think about
what I want to do, what
I want to be,” Soulé says.
“Life is short. I realized it
was time to start showing
this work, to actually go
for it.”
She launched her business,
LucaPhotography, in June
2010, figuring if she was “meant to
be in it, it [would] show itself.”
Right away, she published a two
page black and white spread of
canoes on Hyalite Lake, in Outside
Bozeman—a centerfold, she jokes.
A month later she won five awards
in the Gallatin County Fair photo
contest. Her work appeared in Montana
Parent, Kidsville and Healthy
Living soon after.
By late spring, she was shooting
more family portraits and kids,
something she likes because kids are
“silly, and have the freedom to be
themselves.”
Describing herself as a “dual artist,”
Soulé likes this whimsical photography
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
December 16, 2011
Volume 2 // Issue #22
the art of healing: LucaPhotography
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
and also more challenging work where
she can dig deeper into human emotions.
This summer she shot photos with
Family Promise, a nonprofit that helps
and houses homeless families. The
images of volunteers and two homeless
families that hung in the U.S. Bank pagoda
let her realize the potential power
behind her work.
december 16, 2011 33
gaLLery
“I am a life photographer who at times is the visual
messenger.”
When Soulé first found Bozeman in 2004, she was
on a road trip from Seattle and just stopped for a few
hours. Standing on Main Street, she watched people
greeting each other on the street. The community
feeling and artistic energy inspired her, and she knew
she’d found home.
34 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
Soulé’s current show, which is hanging in the Nova
Café in Bozeman this December, exemplifies the two
sides of her work. One room holds a visual storyboard
with 11 mostly black and white images showing her
powerful year of transition and growth. The other is a
collection of family portraits.
The first series shows deep emotion—innocence,
vulnerability, wrenching sadness, angst, freedom,
peace and strength. The images include Soulé and her
daughter, and other acquaintances who wanted to be a
part of the project.
Admitting it sounds “a little bit out there,” she says
the participants “showed up when they were supposed
to,” each with something to say. “They came to me to
try and photograph that—to give them a voice. They
were the chosen people.”
The second set of photos is a color collection
that captures kids and families
together, happy. They’re not manicured
family portraits, but are sweet, earthy, and
with a sense of purity.
“I like capturing a child how they are. I
follow them around, sometimes run after
them. I make up crazy jokes to get them to
laugh or smile, put something on top of
my head so they’ll look at the camera.”
This show was cathartic, Soulé says.
“The photography is the art of healing
for me. For this show, I’m hoping it is for
others.” She thinks of it as a gift for others,
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
and none of the photos are for sale.
After a year that was clearly very difficult, Soulé is
confident in life, and loves being a mother and an artist.
“Being a single mom is empowering. It’s kicked my ass,
and it’s made me do this [show]. Because everything I
do is for that little girl. She’s my inspiration, my light.”
Looking around the room at her work, Soulé seems
comfortable with herself.
“This is me. This is my heart and soul.”
lucaphotography.net
lucaphotography@yahoo.com
Rebecca Soule's work is hanging in the Nova Café in
Bozeman for the month of Decemnber
Rob Akey
Greg Alexander
Jim Barrett
Diana Brady
Lynn Cain
Creighton Block
Todd Connor
Jerral Derryberry
Flavia Eckholm
Edd Enders
Thomas English
Todd Connor
“Protector”
36” x 24”
Charles Fulcher
Mark Gibson
Don Grant
Mimi Grant
Ott Jones
ARTIST PROFILE
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
David Lemon
Asha MacDonald
Mike Patterson
Paula Pearl
Jacqueline Rieder Hud
Shiela Rieman
Daniel San Souci
Deb Schmit
Laurie Stevens
Shirle Wempner
Big Sky Weekly
MEET ARTIST TODD CONNOR IN PERSON
Wednesday, December 21st from 5:30-7:30pm
BIG SKY TOWN CENTER
10:30 AM - 6:30 PM TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY
MONDAYS BY APPOINTMENT
Todd Connor was born in 1964 and raised in Tulsa, OK. He began painting in pastels and oils at
the age of 12. After high school he joined the Navy, where he served as a Navy SEAL in Coronado,
CA. After military service he toured National Parks and historical sites throughout the
West, and determined to return to painting. After 4 years of study divided between landscape
and figurative work, he received a BFA in 1997 from the prestigious Art Center College of Design
in Pasadena, CA. He briefly worked as a colorboard painter for Universal Studios in Japan before
making the leap to full time painter in 1999.
Todd Connor has met with much success in venues including the CM Russell show and auction in
Great Falls, MT and Settlers West Galleries’ annual Great American West show in Tucson, AZ. His
influences include Impressionists, Asian calligraphy, and early American Illustrators. His exceptional
ability to convey a strong sense of character, as well as a sense of time and place in his art, has led
to commissions and acquisitions by some of the country’s most distinguished art collectors.
406-993-9400
CREIGHTONBLOCKGALLERY.COM
Ar twork also displayed at Outlaw Par tners and Lone Mountain Ranch Dining Room
december 16, 2011 35
Locally owned and operated
We are Big Sky!
The Club at Spanish Peaks - Elk Wallow Lodge
Custom built home on 4+ acres. $2,295,000.
36 december 2, 2011
350 Low Dog Road - Big Sky retreat.
Ski-in/out, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath. $1,699,000.
explorebigsky.com
www.RiversToPeaks.com Phone:(406) 995-2022
The Club at Spanish Peaks - Luxury Cabin #25.
Ski-in/golf-out, 4 bedroom. $1,199,000.
Furnished! Incredible location.
Trophy Bull at Beaver Creek West
Huge views, 3 bedroom, 5 bath on 20 acres.
$1,950,000.
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closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.
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big sky skating and Hockey association opens rink to skaters
new features include lights, memberships and lessons
bsha board
After 10 days of flooding, a day of assembling the
boards and gathering together about 20 ice fans to help
erect the Town Center Ice Rink is open for its second
year of public skating and hockey.
The Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association has relied
on help from volunteers and donations from numerous
people throughout Big Sky and Bozeman.
Jason Martel, of Martel Construction and the Bozeman
Ice Dogs hockey team in Bozeman, told BSSHA
board member Ryan Blechta to come to the ice rink in
Bozeman.
“He had an old Zamboni that was back in the day the
old (ice rink’s) backup,” Blechta said.
When Blechta got to the rink and saw the stash of
out-of-use Zambonis, he saw a rundown rust-bucket
that had been sitting in the lumber yard for four
years.
“I saw what it looked like and thought, ‘with a little
sand blast and paint, this Zam could look real nice,”
Blechta said.
Now, after some serious cosmetics and drastic
makeover, and some help from the Yellowstone Club
Community Foundation, the Zamboni shimmers under
a boat of shiny black paint and its propane engine
kicks over at the turn of a key. It doesn’t hurt that the
ice runner keeps warm in the Blechtas’ garage, either.
The group boasts two new full-time lights that
shine on the rink till 11 p.m., and the board hopes
it can gather interested families with skaters and
hockey players to step up and join this year as
members.
The BSSHA has created a schedule and allows
members-only skates on Friday and Sunday
nights, open skating times everyday, and local
hockey player, board member and BSSHA
founder Griffin Kilby will offer hockey lessons
for those looking to learn.
Lady Big Horns play first game ever
Big Sky teams swept by mount ellis
By graySon BeLL
big sky weekly Cub rePorter
boys JV
On Saturday, Dec. 10 the Lone Peak High School
basketball teams opened up their season. The three
teams traveled to Mount Ellis Academy for a night
filled with basketball action.
The junior varsity game started off very defensively,
with both teams playing at high intensity, and
stayed this way until the final buzzer. At the end of
the first quarter Lone Peak led 9–5.
Mount Ellis took offensive control in the second
quarter, almost tripling their score from the fist
quarter.
The Big Horns came out with almost no offense
except for a mid range jumper and free throw from
Trevor House. Mount Ellis led the Big Horns 13–12
at the end of the second.
Coming out of the locker room at halftime it was
much of the same; defense, defense, defense. The
only points for the Big Horns came on a 3-pointer by
freshman Griffin House and a shot in the paint by
freshman Justin McKillop.
At the end of the third quarter, Mount Ellis was up
21–17.
In the fourth quarter McKillop came out with unmatched
intensity. McKillop accounted for seven of
the 13 points for the Big Horns in the fourth quarter.
McKillop’s late-game intensity was not enough to
bring in a win for the Big Horns, and Mount Ellis
won 36–30.
the first annual Pavelich invitational in January 2011.
girls
The LPHS girls played their first game in Lone Peak
High School history that night.
The Lady Big Horns were at a disadvantage in numbers,
with six girls to Eagles’ 11. This didn’t stop the
Big Horns from hustling and playing great defense.
The first half saw bright glimpses of offense from
freshmen Gabby Michel, Tehya Braun and Gabrielle
Gasser.
In the third quarter the Lady Big Horns held the
Eagles to only two points of offense, but in the end,
Mount Ellis was too much for the Lady Big Horns.
Mount Ellis won the game 35–12.
Four Big Horns starters are freshman and will
continue to improve. Tehya Braun scored half of the
points for the team.
Varsity boys
The varsity boys came from a successful previous
year, but it was apparent from the beginning that
the Big Horns had the first game jitters. Junior
Haven Morris, who has looked promising for
years, accounted for more than half of the Big
Horns’ points.
He ended the night with 19 points and made 3 of
5 from the free throw line. In the end, the Mount
Ellis Eagles showed a higher intensity and desire
to win, and the team won 50–29.
The first home games will be on Jan. 5 against the
Shields Valley Rebels. The Big Horns would love
to see the support of the community at that game.
Big Sky Weekly
“These are going to be hockey clinics for kids trying to
learn to play the game,” Kilby said.
There are two ice rinks (one full-sized with boards and
a smaller one for those looking to skate around), warming
hut, permanent lights, and, of course, a brand new
Zamboni to resurface the ice.
The group is excited to announce the rink open and
ready for business.
Now it’s time to get everything ready for the Second
Annual Pavelich Invitational hockey game on Jan. 7.
ophir athletics schedule
dec. 16 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ ennis
dec. 22 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ Sheridan
Jan. 5 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs. Shields valley
Jan. 6 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ gardiner
Jan. 7 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs. twin Bridges
Jan. 10 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ West
yellowstone
Jan. 12 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. omS Boys' Basketball @ gallatin
gateway
Jan. 14 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ Lima
Jan. 16 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. omS Boys' Basketball @ heritage
Christian School
Jan.17 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs mt. ellis
Jan. 19 4 p.m.– 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs. harrison,
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. omS Boys' Basketball @ monforton
School
Jan. 21 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs ennis
Jan. 26 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball @ Shields valley
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. omS Boys' Basketball @ mt. ellis
Jan. 27 omS 5th & 6th grade Boys' Basketball tournament
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPhS Basketball vs. gardiner
Jan. 28 omS 5th & 6th grade Boys' Basketball tournament
Jan. 31 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. omS Boys' Basketball vs gvhS
december 16, 2011 37
LIKE
NONE
OTHER.
38 december 16, 2011
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end the bcs
By Brandon niLeS
It’s bowl season in college football,
which means it’s time for my annual
Bowl Championship Series rant.
Every year there’s a controversy over
which two teams are selected by the
BCS to play in the National Championship
game. Unlike virtually every
other organized team sport (including
FCS), the NCAA uses a complicated
computer ranking system called the
BCS to determine the two best football
teams in the country.
This year, it’s hard to argue that the
undefeated LSU doesn’t deserve their
spot, but many question the inclusion
of Alabama, who already lost to LSU
during the regular season. Both teams
are in the Southeastern Conference,
raising the usual questions of conference
bias, and preference toward
schools with large football programs.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has been
strong all year, and likewise has only
one loss. The team ranks No. 3 in the
BCS.
Stanford boasts arguably the best
quarterback in the country, Andrew
Luck, and it too has only one loss
against an impressive Oregon team
that played in the National Championship
game last year. The BCS ranks
Stanford No. 4.
Are Oklahoma State and Stanford
really not as deserving as Alabama for
a shot at a national title this season?
We’ll never know, because those two
teams will be playing in the Tostitos
Fiesta Bowl instead.
Are Alabama and LSU the two best
teams in the country? It’s certainly
possible that they are, but we can’t say
for certain. When a team in a lesser
conference goes undefeated, such as
the Boise State and TCU teams of recent
years, are we certain that because
their schedules aren’t perceived to
be as difficult they don’t deserve a
chance at a championship?
Houston nearly went undefeated this
year, but at no point did they ever
have a legitimate chance at being selected
for the title game. How can we
tell the players for teams like Houston
that the games they play in really
matter?
The solution is a playoff system.
There are 11 conferences. Give every
conference winner a playoff spot,
and add five at large teams based on
record, strength of schedule, and any
other factors. With 16 playoff teams,
that allows for a playoff system to run
four consecutive weeks, similar to the
FCS system.
The bowl games can remain, but they
would simply become playoff games.
There’s no reason this wouldn’t work,
and it would certainly mitigate the
risk of leaving any of the best teams
out of the hunt for the National
Championship.
Imagine if the NCAA decided to create
a BCS system for other sports, like
basketball. There would be no more
upsets, no more March Madness, no
more bracket games. Fans would be
outraged. If the BCS applied to the
NFL, the NBA, or the MLB, fans
wouldn’t stand for it.
This kind of system has never been
considered for other sports because
it’s ridiculous. Just as the BCS system
is ridiculous for any other sport, it’s
ridiculous for college football as well.
The time has come to end the annual
controversies. It’s time to install a
playoff system in college football and
end the BCS.
Brandon Niles has done online freelance
writing about the NFL since
2007. His articles range from NFL
news to team-specific commentary. A
Communication Studies graduate student
at the University of North Carolina
Greensboro, Niles is also an avid
Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to
his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan
over the past decade.
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Big Sky Weekly
new study reveals north america’s biggest dinosaur
researchers from mSu and Pennsylvania publish work on alamosaurus
msu news serviCe
msu news serviCe
Ellen-Thérèse Lamm thinly slices a dinosaur bone,
then takes photographs of the fossils under a polarizedlight
microscope.
The images, which she
describes as beautiful
and intriguing, indicate
different types of biological
tissue, and show the
orientation of fibers in
the original bone. The
thin-section slides and
photomicrographs allow
scientists to answer questions
regarding dinosaur
growth, physiology and
even behavior.
SCienCe
New research has unveiled enormous
bones from North America’s biggest
dinosaur, Alamosaurus.
In a paper published Dec. 6 in Acta
Palaeontologica Polonica, MSU
researcher Denver W. Fowler and
coauthor Robert M. Sullivan from
Harrisburg, Pa., describe two gigantic
vertebrae and a femur that the team
collected in New Mexico from 2003
this serrated tyrannosaurus tooth was found with
other alamosaurus bones, showing that these two
dinosaur giants coexisted in the same ecosystem.
image CourteSy of denver foWLer
Polarized light passing
through a thin-section of
bone is split at different
angles depending on the
structure and organization of the crystal structures. It
is then re-collected by an analyzer and delivered to the
eye in a variety of colors and patterns. Manipulating
light conditions allows analysis of the optical qualities
of a sample, Lamm says, and also produces extraordinary
images.
to 2006. Carrying the vertebrae alone
took most of a day because the paleontologists
carried them 1.2 miles
through 100-degree heat, Fowler
said.
Alamosaurus sanjuanensis is a longnecked
plant eater related to Diplodocus.
The Alamosaurus roamed what
is now the southwestern U.S. and
Mexico about 69 million years ago.
Alamosaurus has been known for
some time,
Fowler says. Its
remains were
first described in
1922 from the
Naashoibito beds
of New Mexico.
Since then, more
bones have been
discovered in New
Mexico, Utah,
Texas and Mexico.
Microscopic images of dino bones have intrigue, scientific significance
Some of Lamm’s favorite images
are part of a 2012 fundraising
calendar that she produced
for the museum of the
rockies. “dinosaurs under the
microscope – Paleohistology”
has images of dinosaur bone,
modern animal specimens, as
well as photos of mSu graduate
students and horner doing
paleontological research.
available in the museum of
the rockies gift shop, the mSu
Bookstore, in downtown Bozeman
at Country Bookshelf and
at morhistologylab.org.
The sheer size of
the new bones
caught the researchers
by surprise,
however.
“We used to think
that a fully grown
Alamosaurus
measured around
60 feet long and
weighed about
30 tons,” Fowler
said. “But a 2009
study by another
As manager of the Gabriel Lab
for Cellular and Molecular
Paleontology at the Museum
of the Rockies, Lamm receives
material from dinosaur researchers
worldwide.
She’s one of very
few people who
does paleohistology
techniques,
meaning she’s a
“slicer and dicer of
dinosaur bones.”
MSU researcher, Dr. Holly Woodward,
found that a femur thought to
belong to an adult was still growing.”
While this indicated that Alamosaurus
got even bigger, they didn’t imagine
that it could get quite this big.
The enormity of the new bones puts
Alamosaurus in the same size league
as other giant sauropods from South
America, including Argentinosaurus,
which weighed about 70 tons and is
considered to be the biggest dinosaur
of all.
“Over the past 20 years, Argentinean
and Brazilian paleontologists have
been unearthing bigger and bigger dinosaurs,
putting the rest of the world
in the shade,” Fowler said.
Their new finds, however, show not
only that Alamosaurus was likely the
largest North American dinosaur, but
also that it was on par with the South
American species.
Giant specimens of sauropods like
Alamosaurus and Argentinosaurus are
only known from very fragmentary
remains, offering only a tantalizing
glimpse of what a complete Alamosaurus
might look like, Fowler said.
But in order to dig up one of the
world’s biggest dinosaurs, you need
one of the world’s biggest dinosaur
digging teams.
Working with paleontology
curator
Jack Horner, Lamm
co-authored a recent
paper that described
the unique tissue
growth strategies
that Triceratops used
to ultimately grow
such a massive expanded frill. The paper
was published in April in a French journal of paleontology
and evolutionary sciences.
This research supported the MSU discovery that Triceratops
and were actually the same type of dinosaur at
different stages of growth, with Torosaurus being the
The Pennsylvania State Museum
field crew is typically just two or
three people, which limits how many
bones can be collected per season,
Fowler said. Even so, many important
specimens have been recovered over
the past 10 to 15 years, including new
species, and other members of the
fauna including the iconic carnivore
Tyrannosaurus.
“We found a shed Tyrannosaurus
tooth with another Alamosaurus
neck bone that we were excavating,”
Fowler said. “The Tyrannosaurus may
have lost its tooth while feeding on
an Alamosaurus carcass.”
The Alamosaurus discovery has important
implications for other dinosaurs,
Fowler said. Recent discoveries
by paleontologist Jack Horner’s paleo
lab at the Museum of the Rockies
have emphasized the importance of
understanding growth and origins in
interpreting dinosaur evolution.
“Increasingly, we’re finding that
very large or small individuals often
look very different, and are often
described as different species,”
Fowler said. “Our findings show that
Alamosaurus was originally described
based on immature material, [which
is] a problem as characteristics that
define a species are typically only
fully gained at adult size. This means
that we might be misinterpreting the
relationships of Alamosaurus and
possibly other sauropod dinosaurs
too.”
this image of a tyrannosaurus rex foot bone shows bone tissue
that has been remodeled by erosion and re-deposition. the variety
in color depends on the arrangement of mineral crystals and
fibers in the bone. Each small black dot used to house a single
bone cell. Some circular and elongated spaces for blood supply
are also visible. Photo By eLLen-thérèSe Lamm
mature adult stage of Triceratops, Lamm said. MSU
graduate student John Scannella and Horner published
that finding in July 2010 in the Journal of Vertebrate
Paleontology, upending a long-standing belief that Triceratops
and Torosaurus were different dinosaurs.
Adapted from an article originally written by Evelyn
Boswell
december 16, 2011 41
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SCienCe
participate in upcoming bird counts
For those who enjoy the outdoors and
like feeling part of something bigger than
themselves—bird watching may be just the
activity.
Birders have a strong information network
linking them to each other and to state and
national databases that record public bird
sightings. The citizen scientists that participate
in bird-watching projects are essential to
bird conservation, according to birdsource.
org.
The annual Christmas Bird Count—which
lasts from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 and is now in
its 112th year—has tens of thousands of
participants. Armed with binoculars, bird
guides and checklists, families, students,
birders and scientists spot and report on bird
species. Experts use this data to identify how
different species are faring.
The Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 17-20,
is another important annual birding event.
Last year, participants turned in more than
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and Bird Studies Canada, it aims to get
people to watch and count birds for at least
15 minutes. The four-day count typically
records more than 10 million observations.
The Breeding Bird Survey occurs annually
during the avian breeding season, which is
June for most of the U.S. and Canada. Participants
skilled in bird identification record
sightings along preset survey routes. This
cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological
Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research
Center and the Canadian Wildlife Service
produces critical information that professionals
use to estimate population trends and
identify emerging conservation issues.
Adapted from an article written by Diane
Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’
Statewide Information Officer.
for details on bird watching, including how to participate in bird counts and
directions to more than 30 events in montana, visit one of the following:
montana Bird Conservation Partnership – montanabirds.org
montana audubon – mtaudubon.org
montana fish, Wildlife and Parks – fwp.mt.gov
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from Flathead Lake with the aid of
scuba divers. Numerous logs date back
to the early 1500’s. These logs, steeped
in the history of western Montana,
are uniquely beautiful with brilliant
coloring and have been customed
milled into flooring, paneling and
rough cut lumber to be used as bar
tops, mantles and doors.
explorebigsky.com
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gear revieW
eggbar–Vise
By greg aLLred
CertiFied teCh rei bozeman
When I saw the Eggbar-Vise for the
first time I was skeptical; it seems that
all contraptions I’ve used to hold skis
or a board while tuning has been based
upon the same concept as everything
before it.
Either there’s no way to hold the ski
in place for procedures requiring force
on the base of the ski, or the clamping
mechanism is hampered by variability
in sidewall shape, construction or ski
width. Most of the vises I’ve used in
shops required readjustment every
time a new ski was being worked on.
These wasted efforts and minutes
multiplied over the course of a day, and
were frustrating.
The Eggbar-Vise’s strength is its
simplicity. The ski tip is held under the
bar at the head of the vise, so the ski’s
weight holds it in place. The tail piece
slides in tracks, supporting the ski tail.
Tension can be adjusted by sliding the
tip in or out of the headpiece. The slot
in the head and tail pieces allows the ski
or board to be placed on edge for sidewall
work or to sharpen a side edge.
The working surfaces of the vise are
covered in a grippy weather seal, which
is easily replaced as it gets torn up.
Big Sky Weekly
After a month of hard use, it still looks
nearly new. Replacing it a few times a
season would be worth the time and
effort saved by the vise itself.
I only ran into a few issues when using
the Eggbar-Vise. Since the flex of the
ski is what is holding it in place, I ran
into situations where the ski would
slowly slip backwards out of the head
piece when scraping very hard on a soft
ski, causing the ski to push the tailpiece
back. This only happened when I was
removing excess base material on a
badly damaged base. If the tail piece
had a way to be locked into place, this
would solve the issue.
The fact that this device was developed
in Bozeman and is made locally adds
to my liking of it. Ace Fisher, the vise’s
inventor, has been helpful and open to
feedback and is able to make changes
to the design very quickly in response.
eggbarvise.com
ROOF & DECK
SNOW
REMOVAL
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snow removal and always take
time for the fi nishing touches
to ensure the long lifespan of
your mountain home
Book your 2011-2012 snow
removal service in the month
of Dec. and youʼll receive 10%
off your rate.
(be sure to mention this ad)
406-539-2978
JAMESCONTRACTINGMT@GMAIL.COM
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R a r e R e s a l e O p p o r t u n i t y o n P i o n e e r M o u n t a i n
Chalet 4
F E AT U R E S
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For more information on this property visit www.Chalet4.com
chalet4.com | View Video Online
TO MOONLIGHT BASIN
december 16, 2011 45
outdoorS
view of hylaite Canyon
Photo By Brian niLeS
the 15th annual
bozeman ice
climbing festival
46 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
By emiLy StifLer
big sky weekly managing editor
The 15th annual Bozeman Ice Festival
was the biggest one yet. Big sponsors
like Arc’teryx showed up; on-ice
clinics filled right away; and almost
600 people packed the Emerson theatre
for Friday and Saturday night’s
evening presentations.
“I think this is one of the best grassroots
community-based consumer ice
Festivals that’s ever been put together,”
said Jack Tackle, a Montana
native and world-renowned alpinist.
From beginners to experts in the
sport, and everything in between, it
addressed everyone’s needs, Tackle
said, especially the community and
the social aspects of climbing.
This year’s event featured a historical
retrospective of waterfall ice climb-
A 7-year-old excels his first day ice climbing Photo By Brian niLeS Photo By Brian niLeS
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
ing over 40 years, and drew a host
of climbing’s greatest characters, including
climbing pioneer Jeff Lowe.
Known for making more than 1,000
cutting edge first ascents in North
America, the Alps and the Himalaya,
“Lowe was the most influential ice
climber of all time,” said festival
organizer and accomplished climber
Joe Josephson.
In a powerful moment on Saturday
night, Lowe, now in a wheelchair
with Multiple Sclerosis, came on
stage and talked about his experiences
climbing, and about what he
remembered most: the places he
visited, and the people he spent time
with.
Lowe struck upon the theme of the
fest overall. Old friends and new, all
tied by the bonds of adventure.
outdoorS
groups prepare to hit the ice Photo By emiLy StifLer
breaking through
on Hyalite ice
By marCie hahn-knoff
big sky weekly Contributor
Tiny bits of ice explode from the surface
with each kick. I glance at my picks as I
remove them carefully from the ice and
whack them into the frozen surface a
tiny bit higher. Their jagged structure
reminds me of a 21st century pterodactyl
skull. Spikes bristle from my feet. I
try not to concentrate on how tiny the
points of steel are that hold my body
weight against gravity.
I have never been much of an ice climber.
Skiing has defined my winter sporting
life for decades. Despite moving to the
ice climbing mecca of Montana and
marrying a member of the ice climbing
mafia, I’ve only spent a handful of days
out each year. Intimidated at being a
novice in such a demanding sport, I was
anxious about ascending too slowly and
looking like a hack.
Lack of snow and less then stellar ski
conditions this year tipped the scales, inspiring
me to take a Bozeman Ice Festival
women’s clinic. I hoped climbing with
a group of skilled ladies might help my
technique and give me a better grip on
climbing in winter.
Single digit morning temperatures seep
through the multiple layers of insulation
and down I’m wearing. I focus on a
fringe of sunny illumination growing on
the ridgeline across the canyon—it will
be hours before the sun’s warmth makes
it our way. High on a snowy bench in
Hyalite Canyon, our training ground for
the day is Mummy II, which is currently
busy with more women climbers than I
recall ever seeing in Hyalite at once.
On my first climb, I peck at the icy surface
with unsure blows. Slowly I ascend,
trying to apply the numerous tips on
form and efficiency discussed before I
stepped off the ground. But right away
I revert to previous ice climbing experiences,
grappling with what my body
should be doing while my mind does
summersaults—this the beginning of an
all too common negative self-dialogue.
Voices drift from below, a mix of encouraging
words and helpful reminders. My
mind snaps back to a more positive focus.
Match your feet, stand up, hips into the
ice, aim and fire your axes. The movements
become more methodical and a
system for success begins to develop in
my actions. I continue moving upward.
My movement is becoming more exact,
and the reassuring thunks of well-sunk
axes resonate through the air.
As the day progresses, ladies succeed on
harder climbs. The women in the group
flow seamlessly between belaying and
climbing, sharing reassuring thoughts
and honest critiques on technique and
style, questioning one another on goals,
strengths and weaknesses for each climb.
Laughter comes easily, and it occurs to
me that despite the cold and at times wet
conditions, I’m having a blast.
Our time runs low and we head for the
car. I am plainly aware that a transformation
has happened. After one day, I’m
already becoming a more confident ice
climber. I am amazed at what is possible
when a group of women venture into
the mountains together. I’m already
plotting my next visit to the ice.
Marcie Hahn-Knoff handcrafts bombproof
and creative collapsible hula hoops
in the Gallatin Valley of Montana.
hooplahulahoops.com
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explorebigsky.com
three women climb mummy ii Photo By emiLy StifLer
Big Sky Weekly
HOOPLAHULAHOOPS
december 16, 2011 47
48 december 16, 2011
noun: wild or rough terrain
adjacent to a developed area
origin: shortened form of
“back 40 acres”
Msu graduate head of new
White House initiative
By anne CantreLL
msu news serviCe
This December, President Obama
named a Montana State University
graduate head of the newly created
White House Initiative on
American Indian and Alaska Native
Education.
William Mendoza, who earned
a master's degree in educational
leadership from MSU in 2010, will
head the initiative that is designed
to help expand educational opportunities
and improve educational
outcomes for all American Indian
and Alaska Native students.
The initiative also aims to further
opportunities for the students
to learn their native languages,
This is how Big Sky gets
into hot water.
cultures and histories and receive a
complete and competitive education
that prepares them for college and a
career. It was established by an executive
order that President Obama
signed Dec. 2.
In a release from the U.S. Department
of Education, Mendoza said
the initiative will work to identify
pathways that enable those who
have dropped out to re-enter the
education training pipeline, acquire
industry-recognized credentials and
obtain sustainable jobs, and expand
access to high-quality education
programs leading to career advancement,
especially in the STEM (science,
technology, engineering and
math) fields.
Nordic Hot Tub
We service what we sell!
Spa sales to fit your budget
Pool and spa care after the sale
Custom maintenance plans
Spa covers and custom lifts
Lots of accessories for your spa
Special orders available
www.BigSkyHotTubs.com
(406) 995-4892 • NordicHotTub@aol.com
47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716
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Big Sky Weekly
for the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a
place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts
to share their knowledge. topics include regional
history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and
avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or
outdoor skills, and science.
“We're working
hard to reduce the
American Indian
and Alaska Native
student dropout
rate and making
sure students who
stay in high school
are ready to start
their career by the
time they complete
college,” Mendoza
said.
Previously, Mendoza
was acting director
of the White
House Initiative
on Tribal Colleges
and Universities,
or WHITCU. The
office works to
ensure that the
nation's tribal colleges
and universities
are more fully
recognized, better
informed and given
full access to federal
programs.
Mendoza, who is an enrolled Oglala
Sioux and has deep Sicangu Sioux
roots, grew up on the Pine Ridge
and Rosebud Indian Reservations in
South Dakota.
Before enrolling in MSU's Indian
Leadership Education and Development,
or I LEAD, program, Mendoza
received a bachelor's degree from Fort
Lewis College in Durango, Colo. He
also attended Haskell Indian National
University in Lawrence, Kan.
Then, he worked as a high school
teacher in Pine Ridge, S.D. He said
earlier this year in an interview with
MSU that he appreciated that teachers
have a tremendous ability to make
a difference in students' lives, but he
was also frustrated by the limits of
what he could do as a teacher.
"Every time I let my students go out
of my classroom, I felt like I was
letting them go into harm's way,"
Mendoza said. "So I decided, 'I need to
do more.'"
With a desire to be more involved
in school reform, Mendoza considered
becoming a principal, where
William mendoza, who earned a master's degree in
educational leadership from montana State university
in 2010, has been named head of the newly created
White house initiative on american indian and
alaska native education. Photo CourteSy of WiLLiam
mendoza.
he thought he would have opportunities
to make lasting impacts.
That's when he discovered MSU's I
LEAD program, which, since 2006,
recruited, educated, certified and
placed American Indian educators
in administrative positions in
schools with high populations of
American Indian students.
"I was excited to see a program
that catered to American Indians,"
Mendoza said. "At the time, I knew
a lot of representatives of American
Indians in (principal and superintendent)
positions were few and far
between."
Mendoza said he left the program
with "tremendous knowledge" and
has been able to apply that knowledge
to his work.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne
Duncan, who announced Mendoza's
appointment, said Mendoza's
"exceptional leadership in reinvigorating
collaboration between
federal agencies, educators and
tribal leaders will be invaluable as
we move forward in addressing the
challenges that face our American
Indian and Alaska Native students."
seCtion 4:
entertainment//eventS//Ski areaS
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Big Sky Weekly
December 16, 2011
Volume 2 // Issue #22
Winter concert series features local, international performers
By Brian hurLBut
big sky arts CounCil
This winter, the Arts Council of
Big Sky will host the ninth annual
Peggy Dicken Schwer Memorial
Fund Concert Series. These intimate
dinner concerts are a great
way to see and hear regional and
international musicians, with great
food served by some of Big Sky’s
best chefs.
The muir string Quartet
Wednesday, Jan. 11, Talus Room at
Big Sky Resort
In its 33rd season, the nationally
known Muir String Quartet has
distinguished itself among audiences
and critics with its “exhilarating
involvement” (Boston
Globe),"impeccable voicing and intonation"
(San Francisco Examiner)
and "unbridled musicality" (American
Record Guide). The Muir is
committed to the great European
tradition learned from mentors,
the Budapest and Guarneri string
quartets.
Licensed by Montana Board of
Out tters #5278 and the Gallatin
National Forest
The bozeman Intermountain opera
Thursday, Feb. 9, Buck’s T-4 Lodge
This local opera company has been
around since 1979, and has continued
to grow and attract operagoers, not
only in Bozeman, but from other parts
of Montana and neighboring states as
well. They will present a short opera,
“Sweet Betsy From Pike,” and a selection
of well-known arias.
Dos mayos, with special guests
michael blessing and eddie T
Sunday, Feb. 26, Talus Room at Big Sky
Resort
This Bozeman group plays unique
arrangements and adaptations of Latin,
jazz, blues and Americana. Its distinctive
style, with tight instrumental
and vocal blends, makes Dos Mayos a
standout in the region. Tana Mayo, a
gifted vocalist, flutist and percussionist,
has influences including Natalie Cole,
Herbie Mann, Alison Krauss and Diane
Schuur. Rich Mayo is an exceptional
guitarist, vocalist and harmonica player
who spent years writing, arranging and
recording music, playing on everything
from radio and TV jingles to musical
Big Sky, Montana
406-995-3888
CDs. Michael Blessing
brings a blend of percussion
and rhythm to
the group.
Pavel egorov
Saturday, March 24,
Talus Room at Big Sky
Resort
Don't miss this
incredible opportunity
to hear one of the
world's most decorated
pianists. A graduate
of Moscow State
Conservatory and the
St. Petersburg State
Conservatory, Egorov
lives in St. Petersburg
and has performed in
Big Sky once before. His awards include
First Prize and Golden Medal from the
Schumann International Competition
in Zwickau, Germany, and the International
Schumann Prize; and the Order
of Polish Republic Merit in Culture.
Mr. Egorov is also a renowned music researcher
and scientific editor, Honorary
Member of the Philharmonic Society
in St. Petersburg, and an active member
Featuring...
of the St. Petersburg Department of
Education and Scientific Development
of the Russian Academy of Natural
Sciences.
The Arts Council of Big Sky is a nonprofit
organization founded in 1989. Check
bigskyarts.org for a complete schedule,
or call the ACBS office at (406) 995-
2742. Tickets are by reservation only
and must be made by calling the office.
Sleigh Ride Dinners
Day Sleigh Rides
Heated Sleighs
Winter Trail Rides
Fly Fishing
COWBOY COOKOUTS
Fun for the entire family!
december 16, 2011 49
CaC
Big Sky, M
406-995
December Music
Sat. 12/17 Jeff Belino 5-7 p.m.
10 ft. Tall and 80 Proof 9 p.m.
($5 Cover)
Fri. 12/23 Bottom of the Barrel 9 p.m.
Sat. 12/24 Tom Marino 5-7 p.m.
Fri. 12/30
OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M.
50 december 16, 2011
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
APRÉS SKI
LUNCH & DINNER
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Big Sky Weekly
HEADQUARTERS
The Boozehounds 9 p.m.
($5 Cover)
Sat. 12/31 Eli Madden 5-7 p.m.
“New Year’s Eve Bash” The Tom
Cook Band and the Boozehounds
9 p.m. ($10 Cover)*
*Patron Snowboard Giveaway at Midnight
Open Mic Every Tuesday Night (Starting Dec. 6)
Now offering
NACHOS &
QUESADILLAS!
49 CENT WINGS
during all NFL & College
football games
through Dec. 19th
HAPPY
HOUR
MONDAY-FRIDAY
4:00-6:00 P.M.
$1 off any beer, wine
or mixed drink
LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY
TOWN CENTER
big sky, montana
406-995-3830
Beer
This seasonal brew is made once a
year and based on Lone Peak’s popular
Hippy Highway Oatmeal Stout. It’s
aged in 18 year Elijah Craig bourbon
barrels (from the Heaven Hills Distillery
in Kentucky) for 3.5 months.
The brew has a heavy bourbon character
with vanilla tones and an oaky
essence captured from the barrels.
Served in a snifter or balloon style
glass to express its specific aroma, this
stout is the most anticipated release
of the year, said brewmaster Steve
Nordahl.
Bourbon stout pairs well with beef
and pork, especially the smoked kind.
Nordahl has even used the stout to
make ice cream, barbeque sauce and
a bourbon stout reduction to use as a
heavy drizzle.
The batch is twice as big as last year’s,
and is the largest Lone Peak has made
since starting brewing the stout three
years ago. There will be about 24 kegs
available starting the week of Dec. 19.
Get it before it’s gone!
BourbonLabel 1
Bottled Conditioned
_____________________________________________
Steve T. Nordahl, Brewmaster
_____________________________________________
Andy Liedberg, Assistant Brewer
Bottle Number: Bottling Date:
GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon
General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during
pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption
of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or
operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
explorebigsky.com
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lone peak brewery’s bourbon barrel stout
By aBBie digeL
big sky weekly editor
J U L I E B L A K E L E Y
BIG SKY RIVER PROPERTY FIRELIGHT CHALET 87
Sleeps up to 10 comfortably in this spacious 3
bedroom, 5 bath, San Marino on the Gallatin, log
cabin. $694,000. Call to view.
CEDAR CREEK 27 HILL CONDO 1200
Fantastic valued ski condo in Big Sky! This first floor
Cedar Creek condo has 2 BR, 2 BA, perfect for a
family ski condo. $140,000. Call to view.
3 BR, 3 BA, open floor plan, attached garage,
impeccably furnished close to Town Center.
$199,900. Call to view.
This top floor Hill Condo has an unbelievable price
and is in great condition! Remodeled recently, 440
SF, studio, 1 BA, walk to the ski lifts. $50,000. Call
to view.
SPANISH PEAKS NORTH 77 CHACE MONTANA 2G
With 4.39 acres amid mature trees and great views of Remodeled from the studs in 2005, this condo even
the Spanish Peaks, you must see this lot! $375,000. has it’s own hot water heater and breaker box. Ideal
for residential and/or commercial usage. 1 BR, 1 BA.
$87,900. Call to view.
J u l i e B l a k e l e y
B i g S k y S o t h e b y s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y
j u l i e . b l a k e l e y @ s o t h e b y s r e a l t y . c o m | + 1 4 0 6 . 5 7 9 . 6 4 7 3
1 9 M e a d o w V i l l a g e D r i v e | Bi
g S k y , M o n t a n a 59
7 1 6
©M M X I S o t h e b y ’ s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y A f f i l i a t e s L L C . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d . V i l l a g e H o u s e s , u s e d w i t h p e r m i s s i o n . S o t h e b y ’ s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y ® i s a l i c e n s e d t r a d e m a r k t o S o t h e b y ’ s I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e a l t y A f f i l i a t e s L L C . A n E q u a l O p p o r t u n i t y
C o m p a n y . E q u a l H o u s i n g O p p o r t u n i t y . E a c h O f f i c e I s I n d e p e n d e n t l y O w n e d A n d O p e r a t e d .
750 ml (1 pint 9.36 oz.)
OPENING
WINTER
SEASON
HOUSE SPECIALTIES
Herb Crusted Fish & Chips
Big Sky Shepherd’s Pie
10 oz NY Steak
Veal Schnitzel
Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hen
PLUS
Small Plates
Sandwiches
Burgers
& HOME
OF THE
20 OZ
DRAFT
Happy Hour: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Dinner: 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Sunday Brunch: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Located in the Meadow Village
Big Sky, Montana
Call 406-993-7111 for more information
Big Sky Weekly
december 16, 2011 51
T
h
Se
Hippy H
to impr
brew in
than th
tributes
acter to
bottled
the flav
and evo
balloon
cific aro
beer. En
(well...p
Word from the reSortS
big sky resort
Big Sky
By greer SChott
big sky resort
Big Sky Resort has been opening more terrain as the
season progresses, and the slopes are skiing great.
Even without a lot of fresh powder, the resort has
opened over 700 acres and the snow has stayed
soft—just take a few turns in the Bowl and you’ll see
for yourself.
Come check out what’s new in the Mountain Village.
The Solace Spa and Salon, a new 3,000 square
foot spa with seven treatment rooms, men’s and
ladies locker rooms, and full salon services including
hair and nails, will open this weekend. Two new
shops are open in the Village Center—CR.eations
yarn shop and the Willow women’s boutique.
New digital on-mountain signs now make it easier
to navigate the mountain, and as more terrain opens
skiers can check out five new gladed runs on Andesite.
Big Sky Resort has also opened a new winter
laser tag course—sign up for a game in basecamp.
Big Sky is excited for the upcoming season with
great holiday and winter events. Christmas and New
Years will be action-packed with food, live entertainment,
and special events like fireworks and skiing
with Santa. Check out bigskyresort.com/events
for complete details as well as January events like
SnoBar, an on-mountain party with a bar and dance
floor completely made of snow.
lone Mountain ranch
Big Sky
Lone Mountain Ranch’s nordic trails, outdoor
shop, sleigh rides and dining room opened in mid-
December.
New this year is a lower priced day trail pass at
$18. Also, the ranch will offer a day sleigh ride
with a bonfire, hot chocolate and cookies. Nordic
ski lessons and wildlife tours into Yellowstone will
also be available.
The ranch’s new executive chef and food and
beverage director, Bill Baskin, has returned to
Big Sky with his wife after a 10 year hiatus. The
dining room and saloon are open Monday through
Saturday for lunch and dinner, and will be open for
guests only on Christmas eve.
Join the ranch for their Grand Christmas Buffet on
Christmas day, featuring ice and cheese sculptures,
edible gingerbread villages, a large selection of
roasted meats, a seafood bar, and pastries. On New
Year’s Eve there will be two seatings in the dining
room with four and five course menus, fireworks
and live music.
This year the saloon will serve food and feature
live music three nights a week. It will also serve
a different burger each month, daily small plate
specials, and Montana beer and American spirits.
They are part of Lone Peak Brewery’s communal
beer program.
Other special activities begin Jan. 1, including a
Sunday brunch, Wednesday farm dinners with
wine and brew pairings, and trail buffets on Fridays.
Call the dining room for reservations (406)
995–2782. a.D.
52 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
Moonlight basin
Big Sky
Moonlight Basin opened on Dec. 10 to sunny skies
and smiling faces. Conditions remain the same: packed
powder.
“We need more snow before the upper mountain
opens, but we’ve got people coming and enjoying the
lower terrain,” said ski patrol dispatch. The upper
mountain will open when snow levels permit.
It’s worth checking out Moonlight’s new amenities,
including the North Slope Deli, Jack Creek Grille and
Bar, and the new Moonlight Mercantile in the Lodge.
Also new is the "Freestyle Forest," a tight terrain park
with fun features and whoop de doo’s made of natural
features, and new gladed runs.
Join Moonlight during the holidays for Turkey for a
Ticket on Dec. 16, a Christmas Eve Service, and ski
with Santa on Christmas day.
It’s not too late to join the Gold Club, where members
can enjoy locker storage and pool, hot tub and workout
facility access. Members can also benefit from discounts
at Moonlight eateries, gear shops, boutiques
and accommodations. a.D
Maverick Mountain
Polaris
Maverick set a record in 2010/2011, for their highest
number of skiers with 9,599 visits. That’s not a lot,
which means more powder for everyone.
Summer crews removed more than 3,000 beetle killed
trees from trail edges and along the lift line. Working
with the Forest Service, they are developing a Vegetation
Management Plan to project the desired future
condition of the mountain. The plan will be a proactive,
science-based approach to forest management.
Maverick will increase ticket prices and season pass
rates this year to keep pace with operating costs.
“These are difficult decisions to balance the cost of
services and maintain affordable skiing in our community,”
wrote general manager and owner Randy
Shilling in the fall newsletter.
Mav’s voicemail says there’s at least 8-15 inches on the
hill, and they’re waiting for more snow to open.
discovery ski area
Philipsburg
Disco has been open weekends only, and opens Monday,
Dec. 19 seven days a week.
“We got lucky and picked up about a foot of snow in
early December,” said Ciche Pitcher, who is the ski
area’s vice president and resort operations manager.
“We’re in the same boat as everyone else right now.
While we’ve got some snow, we haven’t had anything
new in a while.”
The front side is open, and the weekend of Dec. 10 was
the busiest so far this season. Pitcher estimates they
need another 12-18 inches to open the backside, hopefully
by Christmas day.
Disco’s big news for the year: A new triple chairlift has
replaced the old blue Jubilee lift. The new lift is faster,
because they moved the bottom terminal up. e.s>
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
rendezvous ski trails
West yellowstone
After a big push during Thanksgiving week, Rendezvous
nordic trails in West Yellowstone are cranking
along at full swing. The early snow allowed
Rendezvous to open all 35 kilometers of trails, including
five kilometers of new trails and connectors
that meander through the existing trail network.
The Yellowstone Ski Festival over Thanksgiving had
great turnout, said Dan Cantrell, the director of the
Yellowstone Ski Festival and the West Yellowstone
Ski Education Foundation. “In the past a good year
has been about 3,000, and I think we met that or
exceeded it this year.”
This is going to be a busy year, with a lot of new
stuff going on, Cantrell said.
On the weekend of Dec. 10, they broke in a new
biathalon course with a biathlon NORAM, bringing
international athletes to town.
The weekend of Dec. 17 hosts a SPAM cup with
divisions for everyone, and a National Guard biathalon
camp, and the brand new Kids n’ Snow program.
Designed to promote active lifestyles, the program
takes kids cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and
ice skating. All are welcome.
Head down to West with the skinny skis, because
according to Cantrell, the trails are “skiing really,
really well.” e.s.
bridger bowl
Bozeman
By Jamie kuJaWa
Bridger opened lower mountain terrain the weekend
of Dec. 9, running its Snowflake and Powder Park
lifts. With October storms the last two falls, Bozemanites
have gotten accustomed to excellent early
season conditions, but this year has been a slower
start.
This dry weather isn’t unusual, says Doug Wales,
Bridger’s sales and marketing director. Wales started
there in the early ‘80s, and he recalls the resort
sometimes didn’t open until mid-January.
Even so, Wales says, there were a “decent number of
folks relative to what we have to offer [on opening
weekend].” The vibe around the hill was optimistic:
People smiled as they loaded the quad, passes were
still being sold, and the reservations are up from last
year at this time.
Wales is also staying positive, and he encourages
patience. Skiers could be unloading at the Bridger
lift mid-station by next week, he says, as long as
overnight temperatures remain low enough to blow
snow.
“Powder tends to erase bad memories,” Wales
added, recounting how much things can change
after one storm. But until it snows, early season
conditions remain. Although hiking above the Powder
Park lift is allowed while upper mountain lifts
remain closed, it’s not recommended. Check with
ski patrol for updates and advisories.
Word from the reSortS
moonlight
basin
rail jam
big sky town center
dec. 2, 2011
PhotoS By Brent day
bridger bowl opening day
pHotos by JaMie kuJaWa
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Jack creek grille takes the
place of the former timbers
new facilities owned and operated by
moonlight Basin
Moonlight Basin has
three new dining options
in the Moonlight
Lodge, the North Slope
Deli, Jack Creek Bar and
the Jack Creek Grille.
These facilities were
formerly operated under
the name Timbers.
Now named after the iconic Jack
Creek Road, a gated 10-mile dirt
road that winds through a wilderness
preserve and drainage west of
Big Sky, the new restaurant will be
genuine and friendly, with beautiful
presentation and fine dining, according
to Karen Lum, Moonlight’s
marketing director.
The new format allows a lower
price point, said Greg Pack, General
Manager at Moonlight.
“We were trying to make sure that
families could visit us a couple
times during their stay and create
an environment that locals would
consider a regular spot,” Pack said.
The menu is family friendly with
as much local food as possible, said
executive chef Eric Stenberg.
“We’d like to call it American food.
It’s grill style, with steaks, seafood,
pasta, lasagna. It’s comfort food, in a
sense.”
The bartenders will strive to know
your face and recognize you, if not
know your name, Lum added.
“They will know your favorite
drink and mix special ones not
found on the menu because... it’s
fun and makes our guests feel
special. You can count on value and
high quality.” e.s.
december 16, 2011 53
54 december 16, 2011 explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
eventS planning an eVent? let us know! email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word.
big sky
Military appreciation Weekend
big sky resort
Dec. 17 – 18
Jeff belino and 10 foot tall and
80 proof liVe
Choppers
Dec. 17, 5 p.m
season kick off party
Big Sky Resort
Dec. 17
open Mic nigHt
Choppers
Every Tuesday
buck's t-4 annual Holiday party
Dec. 18, 6 p.m.
bottoM of tHe barrel liVe
Choppers
Dec. 23, 9 p.m.
cHristMas eVe actiVities
Big Sky Resort
Dec. 24
toM Marino liVe
Choppers
Dec. 24, 5 – 7 p.m.
cHristMas eVe serVice &
celebration
Moonlight Basin
Moonlight Lodge
Dec. 24, 5 p.m.
ski WitH santa
Moonlight Basin
Dec. 25
JaiMe pierre faMily fundraiser
Buck’s T-4
Dec 26, 7 p.m.
Call Doug Timm 581-0142
faMily nigHt WitH MoonligHt
Madison Village Base Area
Dec. 29, 5 – 8 p.m.
neW years eVe actiVities
Big Sky Resort
Dec. 31
Half Moon saloon 9tH annual
neW year’s eVe celebration
ft. the Codi Jordan Band
Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
neW years eVe basH
Choppers
Dec. 31, Starting at 5 p.m.
bozeMan
Holiday bazaar
The Emerson
Dec. 17, 10 a.m.
bbbs gift Wrap bootH
Gallatin Valley Mall
M-S 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
nutcracker in a nutsHell
The Emerson
Dec. 16 – 17
cHristMas bird count
Perkins Restaurant
Dec. 17, 7 a.m.
cHristMas tea
Gallatin Gateway Inn
Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
cHristMas cookie decorating
Leaf & Bean
Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
irVing berlin’s WHite cHristMas
The Ellen Theater
Sunday Matinees 3 p.m.
All other shows 7:30 p.m.
Thru Dec. 23
torcHligHt parade, fireWorks
display & spagHetti dinner
Bridger Bowl
Dec. 30, 4 p.m.
neW year’s eVe dance
The Emerson
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
West
yelloWstone
cHristMas for tHe critters
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Dec. 15 – 31
sled dog races
Rodeo Run 2011
Dec. 15 – 17
kids and snoW eVent
Dec. 15 – 17
Kidsnsnow.org to register
s’Mores and More
West Yellowstone Ice Rink
Dec. 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
spaM cub #1 classic race
Rendezvous Ski Trails
Dec. 17
cHristMas bird count
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Dec. 18, 8:30 a.m.
Winter snoWsHoe prograM
U.S. Forest Service Hebgen Lake Ranger
Station
Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
paradise Valley
united blood driVe
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Call Bob 222-009
splendid feast
The Elling House
Virginia City
Dec. 16 - 17, 6:30 p.m.
feliX naVi-Vaude, Holiday
Variety act
Crazy Mountain Productions
Dec. 16 - 18
Call for time 222-1420
Honky tonk Heros
Chico Hot Springs
Dec. 16-17, 8 p.m.
Holiday ligHts coMMittee preligHting
party
Civic Center
Dec. 17, 6 p.m.\
MoonligHt lodge neW year’s eVe party
Dec. 31, 2011—Ring in 2012
with Moonlight! The Moonlight
Lodge New Year's Eve Party features
dinner from Jack Creek Grille, live
music, party favors and champagne
as the ball drops.
Dinner: 6 – 9 p.m.
Music: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
907 britt and ricHie reinHoldt
(SiNgER/SoNgwRitER)
Norris Hot Springs
Dec. 17
speakeasy sultry blues
Pink Creek Café
Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
JoHn loWell (aMericana)
Norris Hot Springs
Dec. 18
solstice celebration
Rainbow Ark
Dec. 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
tHe dirty sHaMe
Chico Hot Springs
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
cost
$120 per person includes party
favors, champagne, music and
dinner. $25 after 9 p.m. includes
party favors, champagne and music.
Reservations can be made with the
Mountain Concierge. Max 150
people.
toM MurpHy (tHerMal grass)
Norris Hot Springs
Dec. 23
coMMunity cHristMas dinner
Civic Center
Dec. 25, 12 – 2 p.m.
KENt JoHNSoN (SiNgER/
songWriter)
Norris Hot Springs
Dec. 30
neW years basH
ft. Archer’s Mob
Pine Creek Café
Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
siX strings doWn
Classic Rock & Blues
Chico Hot Springs
Dec. 30 - 31, 8 p.m.
pierre family fundraiser set for dec. 26
in the wake of Jamie Pierre’s untimely death, the Big Sky community
is coming together to support his family. the Big Sky Chaplain’s
association is working with the ski resorts and many individuals
to host a fundraiser.
“even though [the Pierres] are new to the community, i think
Jamie had touched a bunch of people here,” said moonlight Basin’s
general manager greg Pack. “our goal is to help out a local
family in need.”
Pack said everyone he’d spoken with was more than willing to be
part of the fundraiser, asking how to help.
amee (Jamie’s wife) wants to make sure the fundraiser is a celebration
of Jamie’s life, Pack added.
“She said Jamie would want it to be a lighthearted event. to
celebrate the fun in life. he was fairly easy going, and would want
people to celebrate that way.”
Pack and professional skier Scot Schmidt will emcee the evening,
which will include a "dine around" format with food from area
restaurants. items will be auctioned off, and all proceeds will go to
the Pierres.
“the Big Sky Chaplains exist to communicate the good news of
Jesus Christ and to help in tangible ways in critical times,” said
doug timm, the Pierres’ pastor. “But we could not do it alone. the
community has really helped.”
Schmidt notes the mark Pierre left on the ski community as a
whole, calling him a true inspiration:
“although we moved in the same circles for many years, our
paths only recently crossed,” he said. “getting to know Jamie was
easy. his approach was bold, and his courage was infectious. his
death has stirred our emotions, but it is his life that will inspire us
forever.” e.s.
details:
dec. 26, 7 p.m. at Buck’s t-4 Lodge
evening will include silent auction, food and cash bar.
$10 donation
to submit an auction item, contact doug timm at 581-0142, or
drop items off at the Outlaw office in the Big Sky Meadow Village.
the cave
Spirits & Gifts
BIG SKY’S
FULL SERVICE LIQUOR STORE
UNIQUE MONTANA GIFTS
Shirts
Hats
Books
Jewelry
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK • 406-995-4343
Located in TOWN CENTER at the
corner of HWY 64 and OUSEL FALLS ROAD
MONTANA STATE
LIQUOR STORE
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Located in the Big Horn Center, north of signal light, at corner
of Hwy 191 & Lone Mtn Trail, across from Bugaboo Café
The only Consignment Store in Big Sky!
Your local, best store for the resale
of quality, lightly used:
• Home Furnishings / kitchen items & appliances
• Furniture for all rooms / lamps, etc.
• Artwork, wall hangings, décor items
• Clothing (winter): women’s, men’s & children’s
• Sports gear & sports clothing
• Electronics + CDs, Videos & DVDs
• Christmas & holiday decorations
• and much, much more...
Open: Tues – Sat, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sun, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Closed on Mondays
Call: Janine & Dick @ 406-993-9333
Tickets
$15
Saloon Doors open 9:30 p.m.
Party favors, champagne toast,
fire spinner and bonfire
with opening band Junior Giant
The CJB is an energetic and fun Reggae Rock outfit from Salt
Lake City, Utah. If you are a fan of artists like Sublime, Slightly
Stoopid and Passafire, the Codi Jordan Band will blow you away.
CJB has played the Mandalay in Las Vegas and Sundance Film
Festival.
New Year’s Eve Dinner 6-9 p.m.
available in the dining room with reservation
explorebigsky.com
Located on the banks of the
Gallatin River on Hwy 191
Shuttles at 12:30 and 1:30 a.m.
More information & advance
tickets 1-406-995-2928 or
1-406-993-9666
december 16, 2011 55
fun
Letters to Santa
from letters written by local children at the big sky christmas stroll
Dear Santa,
Hi my name is Kimderly.
I am wondering about
the reindeer. has eny
presents? You need a
break.
Love, Kimderly
56 december 16, 2011
explorebigsky.com
Dear Santa,
I love you! I want
you to travel safe
with the reindeer.
Merry Xmas
Dear Santa,
I have been pretty good
this year I would love the
etable good-tasting glow
in the dark recipie but it
is your choice
Sincerely, Michael
Dear Santa,
Hi my name i Kimderly.
I am wondering adout
the reindeer? has enay
presents? You need a
brake. Love, Kimderly
Dear Santa,
May I have a real puppy
from Madison
explorebigsky.com
Dear Santa,
nerf gun, snowmobile,
reindeer - I want it
to be a surprise
Big Sky Weekly
Dear Santa,
Hi! may I please have
some American Girl Doll
clothes? I hope the
reindeer are good.
Love, Nehalem
Dear Santa,
I like presents.
Cody
I lovewuoy
outlaws became elves at Big Sky's Christmas Stroll - Chris davis and
taylor anderson with Santa
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